When I heard Rabanne was teaming up with H&M for an opulent, dreamy collection with a holiday season release date, I really couldn’t hide my excitement. I’m already picturing myself attending all those holiday parties in a glamorous chain mail dress typical of the Rabanne aesthetic, but now at reasonable price points. The luxury label’s current Creative Director Julien Dossena really wanted to combine the shimmering, lavish designs of the Rabanne name with modern, playful silhouettes typical of the H&M catalog. It’s high fashion meets accessibility, 70s disco glam meets modern luxe, sharp tailoring meets party ready pieces. It’s the perfect creative contrast between two labels that know how to start the party (and fashion conversation).
Paco Rabanne 1960s | Photo: The New York Times
Paco Rabanne “12 Unwearables Dresses in Contemporary Materials” | Photo: Minniemuse
Paco Rabanne 1960s | Photo: Getty Images
Rabanne FW23 Collection | Photo: 1966 Magazine
Rabanne H&M party at PFW23 with current Creative Director Julien Dossena | Photo: H&M
To give you a little backstory, Rabanne is a Spanish fashion house founded in 1966 by the late Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo (commonly known under the pseudonym of Paco Rabanne). Rabanne had been known for pushing creative boundaries with his designs, using unconventional materials and quirky styles that transcended momentary trends. He frequently experimented with metal discs, plastic fragments, paper clips, aluminum foil, and chain mail to create pieces that were imaginative and uniquely glamorous. Through his innovative approach, Rabanne was the first designer to effortlessly combine fashion, craftsmanship, and technology to create a one-of-a-kind brand. While Rabanne sadly passed away in February 2023, his influence continues to live on through the brand under Creative Director Julien Dossena. Rabanne’s pieces are still highly coveted among fashion lovers around the world and his unique approach to design continuously inspires other designers to take risks and push boundaries when it comes to style and material choice.
And now thanks to the collaboration with H&M, Rabanne is influencing a whole new younger generation of fashion enthusiasts who’ve always wanted to wear one of his futuristic creations, but didn’t want to break the bank to do so. While the prices come in higher than usual H&M ranges, they are still way more accessible than Rabanne’s typical luxury price tags. The collaboration really delivers that Rabanne lavish dream without looking inexpensive. In other words, it’s affordable but doesn’t look affordable – the ultimate fantasy right? These are the pieces we think sparkle the most, and just in time for the holiday season.
Rabanne H&M Sequin-Disc Mini Dress
Do I even need to explain this dress? One look at the classic Rabanne discs and I’m already swooning. The Rabanne H&M Sequin-Disc Mini Dress fuses the label’s signature avant-garde style with a fun, mini silhouette perfect to ring in the new year. I have to say, making Rabanne accessible through H&M prices could have been a recipe for knockoff-looking disaster. Instead, this dress proves the collaboration’s thoughtfulness when it came to material choice. The sequin discs still look just as lavish and expensive as they would in a typical Rabanne collection. The two-toned metallics are a unique choice that gives this style extra shine and attention-grabbing power.
Rabanne H&M Disc-Embellished Shoulder Bag
This next piece is already at the top of my holiday wishlist. While I’ve been a major Rabanne fangirl for quite some time now, I think the Disc-Embellished Shoulder Bag is the perfect style to welcome newcomers to the luxury label. Wearing head-to-toe sequin discs can feel intimidating, which is why the shoulder bag version feels just extravagant enough to show off the collaboration without feeling too center-of-attention for the more subtle fashion lovers. The bag is made with interlinking sequins and metal discs in silver and gold metallic. It’s also lined with leather, so the bag is still functional for carrying all your essentials. I love the metal-chain shoulder strap because it’s adjustable so you can either wear the bag as a crossbody for a night out or on one shoulder for a hint of glimmer to your everyday ‘fits.
Rabanne H&M Embroidered Wool Jacket
This Embroidered Wool Jacket is the epitome of cool girl. It’s an outerwear piece that will definitely turn heads during your next night out and for all the right reasons. While most people define Rabanne with the label’s decadent futuristic designs, the brand is also known for its sharp tailored pieces. I love how the H&M collaboration features both ends of the Rabanne aesthetic – from disco-inspired dresses to embroidered tailored pieces. This tailored jacket is made from soft woven wool fabric and has a shimmery metallic trim. The style really shows off Rabanne’s fine craftsmanship, with the embroidered floral motifs, decorative buttons, and glittery fine threads. The style also comes in Embroidered Wool Pants. It’s sold out everywhere, so get it on StockX while you can.
Rabanne H&M Shimmery Metallic Dress Pants
I’ve always wanted to tap into the silver metallic trend, but never found a style that really sold me. After seeing the Rabanne H&M Shimmery Metallic Dress Pants, count me in as fully sold. I love the subtle tailoring in the metallic wash for a style that effortlessly combines a current trend with a timeless silhouette. The cool contrast makes the metallic wash feel original and fresh after a year of seeing different silver statement pieces in typical silhouettes. The pants come with a matching Shimmery Metallic Suit Jacket for extra shine. I would style these two pieces together with a classic Saint Laurent heel and black sheer tights for a sultry holiday party look.
Rabanne H&M Metal-Mesh Skirt with Fringe
Another iconic trait of the Rabanne aesthetic is heavy chain mail that looks like metal-mesh. I think this Metal-Mesh Skirt is so original because of the fringe trim and asymmetric cut. I really don’t think I’ve seen anything like it – a style that creatively blends the 70s disco era with the 70s boho rocker aesthetic. The material and silhouette feel contradicting yet blend so effortlessly, making this style really stand out from the pack of glimmering holiday skirts. While dressing this skirt up with more evening-wear pieces can never go wrong, I think a cooler style option is actually dressing the skirt down for a casual look. Pair the skirt with your favorite chunky knit and knee-high boots for a modern take on Rabanne chain mail.
Rabanne H&M Sequined Flared-Skirt Dress
I can’t decide what I love more about Rabanne. The brand’s unique use of sequin discs or its affinity for chain mail materials. Well, now I can have both. This Sequined Flared-Skirt Dress is a showstopper from the collection. The way Rabanne mixes in the chain mail with sequin discs at the bottom makes the dress look like it’s literally dripping in decadence. The best part is the disco-vibe dress is lined with a stretchy jersey material, making the style comfortable to wear all night long. The fit is extremely elegant, featuring a sleeveless style, fitted bodice, scoop neck, and a fun flared skirt. Go for a modern monochromatic look by pairing this dress with your gold or silver heel of choice and minimal jewelry if any.
Rabanne H&M Metal-Mesh Clip Earrings with Fringe
There’s something about the perfect statement earring that hits differently during the holidays. I love how they can transform any minimalist outfit into a standout statement. If you’re on the search for your dream earrings, look no further than the Metal-Mesh Clip Earrings with Fringe. When I say these are statement earrings, believe me. The earrings drop down to about your collarbone for an extra dose of decadence. Crafted from Rabanne’s iconic metal-mesh material, the earrings are a slinky pyramid shape with a stud at the top engraved with the designer’s logo. The layered silver and gold gives these earrings a golden age aesthetic that shimmers in both warm and cool tones for an extra lavish effect.
These are just a few of the head turning pieces from the Rabanne H&M collection. Check out the full collaboration here on StockX.
