Born Franciso Rabaneda y Cuervo in Spanish Basque country to Balenciaga’s head seamstress, Paco Rabanne founded his eponymous Parisian fashion house in 1966 with a debut collection entitled “Manifesto: 12 unwearable dresses in contemporary materials”. The futurist space-age designs rocketed to success and his iconic chainmail dresses remain an emblematic staple of the house. Today the label is led by Julian Dossena and retains a distinct identity. A master at making the complicated appear effortless, Dossena brings the same craftsmanship and precision that he applied behind the scenes supporting Nicolas Ghesquière to redefine Balenciaga for the 21st Century. Under his creative direction, Paco Rabanne’s innovative avant-garde spirit is reborn with a definitive air of sensuality: expect draped chainmail for the contemporary eye, sleek separates, form-fitting activewear and polished metalwork accessories in a nostalgic vision of modern partywear.
