It’s official: Rabanne x H&M is here, and it’s definitely a collection to be excited about. It marks the brand’s second designer collaboration of the year, after the success of Mugler x H&M, and I tried on every. single. piece. The verdict? Head-to-toe metallic outfits that promise to answer every single party season dress code, and even give the disco ball a run for its money. Yes, really.
After being granted access to a first look at the full list courtesy of some rather sparkly lookbook images, my interest was piqued. I’m all about the glitz and glam this time of year, anyway—but could Rabanne H&M really be worth the hype?
Short answer: Yes. I left the fashion brand’s showroom feeling heavily attached to several silhouettes, one even being a tracksuit, so trust me when I say that once you see them, try them on and feel the quality of each design for yourself—you will be just as in love as me.
For full transparency, I’m 6 feet tall and a size UK 12, so I didn’t expect much to fit me, as I tend to struggle. That said, I was pleasantly surprised. Where some pieces were more of a squeeze to get into than others (and, indeed, looked shorter on me than they would on the average person), they still flattered and sculpted my figure exactly where I wanted them to once on. That’s the sign of some good quality craftsmanship, if you ask me.
It can be easy to assume a designer has agreed to just have their name added to the label when you hear of high-street collaborations these days, but you can tell the Rabanne design team was present every step of the way when making this collection. The paillette sequin mini dress that’s on everyone’s wishlist, for example, features stealthily hidden press-stud poppers to the back instead of a bulky zip, which, when on, become totally invisible thanks to their clever disguise.
It feels particularly relevant, too, not least because metallics are perfect for Christmas, but because of the Spanish designer’s passing in February this year. Paco Rabanne’s eponymous label has been a trailblazer on the fashion scene since it first presented its era-defining, space age-inspired creations in the 1960s, with creative director Julien Dossena taking over in 1999.
Today, in collab with H&M, you’ll see much of the same iconic silhouettes the French fashion house is known (and adored) for, from sequin mini skirts to sheer dresses, chainmail and lots and lots of sparkle.
It’s no secret that the Swedish retailer has been joining forces with luxury labels for some time now; the first H&M designer collaboration dropped back in 2004 and, in the near-20 years since, one has been announced annually. But between the likes of Stella McCartney, Marni, Maison Margiela, Simone Rocha, and Mugler, home decor items have never been included. Until now. Rabanne H&M will be the very first to include homeware, alongside womenswear, menswear and accessories, so prepare for fun vases and accent decorations for every room of your interiors.
You can shop the Rabanne x H&M collection right now in selected stores and online at hm.com. To get you started, enjoy our top 35 pieces below.
