The esteemed French luxury label Rabanne and its visionary creative director, Julien Dossena, have officially parted ways after a distinguished 13-year collaboration. This announcement, made public on Wednesday, marks the end of a pivotal era during which Dossena was credited with reinvigorating the brand's unique heritage for a contemporary audience. The fashion house confirmed that the identity of his successor would be disclosed in due course.
During his extensive tenure, Dossena redefined Rabanne's aesthetic, masterfully blending its distinctive chainmail tradition with cutting-edge techniques. His collections were characterized by their radicality and versatility, consistently garnering anticipation and acclaim at Paris Fashion Week. Fashion critics lauded his ability to transform the relatively niche Paco Rabanne into a sought-after label for discerning women, significantly expanding its market appeal and reputation.
Prior to his appointment at Rabanne, Dossena demonstrated early promise in the fashion world. While still a student at the prestigious La Cambre in Brussels, he received a special jury prize at the Hyères International Fashion Festival in 2006. He further honed his skills at Balenciaga, rising through the ranks under the mentorship of then-creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. After Ghesquière's departure, Dossena launched his own ready-to-wear label, Atto, which earned him a finalist spot in the LVMH Prize in 2014. His remarkable talent led to his appointment as artistic director of Paco Rabanne in August 2013 at the age of 30, prompting him to dedicate his full attention to this new role.
Dossena's influence extended beyond the runway, making a notable impact on celebrity fashion. Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa frequently sported his iconic chainmail creations. Notably, 2023 was a landmark year for Dossena and the brand, which abbreviated its name to Rabanne. That year, he not only designed a couture collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, another brand within the Puig portfolio, but also collaborated with H&M on a special collection, further cementing Rabanne's global presence.
This strategic move aligns with Puig's broader vision of leveraging its fashion brands to bolster its fragrance and beauty divisions. Under Dossena's leadership, Rabanne achieved unprecedented growth and heightened international visibility, expanding its cultural footprint. This success culminated in Rabanne becoming the first Puig brand to exceed €1 billion in sales in 2023, a testament to Dossena's profound impact. The house has also solidified its management team, with Jean-Jacques Guével joining as general manager of Rabanne’s fashion business in September 2025, and Renaud de Lesquen appointed president of Rabanne One Brand in April 2026, overseeing both fashion and beauty sectors.
The departure of Julien Dossena marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for Rabanne, a period characterized by remarkable creative innovation and substantial commercial success. His contributions have left an indelible mark, modernizing the brand's identity and enhancing its global stature within the competitive luxury fashion landscape.
