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November 10, 2023, 5:45 pm |
Reading time: 5 minutes
H&M’s partnership with renowned designers and brands has become a tradition. Karl Lagerfeld started in 2004, followed by brands such as Versace, Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela and Balmain. New to the select group: Rabanne. STYLEBOOK presents 9 interesting facts about the late Spanish designer.
Does Paco Rabanne say anything specifically about perfume in the form of gold bars and/or diamonds? But then you lost a lot!
Why was Paco dropped from the name
The name change marked a crucial moment for the brand, which also launched its first makeup collection. We can only speculate whether Paco Rabanne’s death last February is related to this. When he founded the brand in 1966, Paco Rabanne had already taken creative liberties with his name. Originally born as Francisco Rabaneda y Cuervo, this name wasn’t exactly easy to pronounce.
When it comes to the new Rabanne logo, they sought to recall Rabanne’s avant-garde heritage and focus on the first perfume the designer launched in 1969. The new logo font is based on that of the “Calandre” fragrance. The tiny shape of the logo is intended to represent a “disruptive approach that breaks rules”, as the official statement states. This makes it clear: the name says it all.
The Spaniard spent almost every day in his studio until shortly before his death Photo: Getty Images
Paco Rabanne played a key role in shaping sixties fashion
Paco Rabanne, the avant-garde fashion designer, gained worldwide attention in 1966 with his groundbreaking collection known as “12 Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials.” Here he used materials such as aluminum and chains for the first time, which were previously unconventional in the fashion industry. This marked the beginning of his career as an innovator in the fashion world.
The designer in his studio in 1967 Photo: Getty Images
Foil dress for Françoise Hardy
One of his most iconic works is undoubtedly the aluminum “Unwearing Dress”, which he created in 1967 for actress Françoise Hardy. This metal dress became a symbol of futuristic 1960s fashion and showcased Rabanne’s bold experiments with materials.
Paco Rabanne inspired the costume designer of the iconic film “Barbarella”
Jane Fonda in her iconic “Barbarella” role Photo: Getty Images
The film “Barbarella” helped fashion designer Paco Rabanne gain instant fame. Jacques Fonteray, the costume designer, was inspired by Rabanne’s ideas, particularly Jane Fonda’s tight jumpsuit. Rabanne herself is responsible for designing Barbarella’s green outfit in the final scene.
Not just a designer but also a perfumer
Paco Rabanne was not only a fashion designer, but also a successful perfumer. The “Calandre” fragrance, launched in 1969, is just one example of his successful forays into the world of fragrances. Paco Rabanne’s most popular and best-selling perfume is “1 Million” for men and “Lady Million” for women. These fragrances are known for their striking and sensual aromas and have become true classics.
Paco Rabanne is a trained architect
His interest in architecture was reflected not only in his design language, but also in his academic training. Before his career in fashion, Rabanne studied architecture in Paris.
He was a designer for Givenchy and Balenciaga
Her successful start in the fashion industry began with designing jewelry for renowned fashion designers such as Givenchy and Balenciaga before striking out on her own and founding her clothing line.
A person with a lot of heart
Paco Rabanne has also been actively involved in charities and social causes, which makes his personality and work in the fashion world even more diverse.
Collection with H&M
On Thursday, November 9, the time has come: the designer H&M’s latest collection with Rabanne was launched. Under the creative direction of Julien Dossena, responsible for the collections since 2014, the brand’s characteristic codes can also be found in the Swedish fashion company. An example of this is a skirt made of coin-sized gold sequins, purple glitter pants, or clothing made of metallic mesh.
H&M collection pays homage to Rabanne’s iconic metal dresses Photo: H&M
When asked by STYLEBOOK, H&M explained the context this way: “We are delighted to be working with Rabanne to give our customers the opportunity to own a piece of fashion history – like the iconic two-piece suits and dresses made from metallic mesh, maxi skirts with palliette or retro tracksuits and t-shirts designed specifically for relaxation. Excited by the idea of a lively, upbeat lifestyle, creative director Julien Dossena combined archival metallic mesh and mirrored sequins with sleek tailoring and dancefloor-dominating accessories as inspiration for this collection. The collection combines radical design with innovative craftsmanship and follows the futuristic creations of the company’s late founder, Paco Rabanne.”
