French fashion house Rabanne announced on June 24 that Creative Director Julien Dossena will be stepping down after leading the brand for 13 years. Since taking the role in 2013, Dossena has been widely credited with reinterpreting founder Paco Rabanne’s avant-garde legacy for a new generation and helping steer the house into a new era of growth.
Summary
- Rabanne has announced the departure of Creative Director Julien Dossena after 13 years at the helm.
- Dossena modernized the house’s signature codes, including chainmail and metallic disc embellishments, helping drive Rabanne’s resurgence.
- While no successor has been officially named, Olivier Rousteing has emerged as a rumored candidate.
Thirteen Years of Reimagining Rabanne’s Heritage
Founded in 1966, Rabanne built its reputation on experimental creations crafted from unconventional materials such as metal and plastic, becoming one of fashion’s most iconic Space Age brands.
Dossena joined the house as Creative Director in 2013 at the age of 30. Throughout his tenure, he successfully bridged the brand’s historic codes with contemporary culture, preserving signature elements such as chainmail and metallic discs while introducing a modern perspective that resonated with younger consumers.
His collections expanded beyond the silver chainmail party dresses that defined the house’s identity, incorporating daywear inspired by workwear, vintage finds, and everyday dressing. This broader vision helped attract a new generation of customers and strengthened Rabanne’s position within the luxury market.
The brand also gained increased visibility through celebrity endorsements, with artists including Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter frequently wearing Rabanne creations.
In a statement, Puig, the owner of Rabanne, praised Dossena’s contribution to the house: “Julien Dossena played a defining role in shaping a new era for Rabanne. With a distinctive creative vision rooted in cultural relevance, he has reinterpreted the brand’s heritage for a new generation, blending its iconic codes with a contemporary, forward-looking spirit.”
Ana Trias, President of Prestige & Fashion Brands at Puig, added: “Julien Dossena has profoundly shaped a new era for Rabanne, bringing renewed energy and modernity to its avant-garde heritage through a singular and globally resonant vision. All of us at Rabanne and Puig would like to warmly thank Julien for his exceptional creative direction and for the remarkable chapter he has written in the history of the maison.”
According to Puig, Rabanne experienced significant business growth and expanded its global visibility under Dossena’s leadership, strengthening its influence across both fashion and culture.
Dossena also reflected on his time at the house in a statement: “I would like to thank the Puig family and group for their trust and for supporting my vision over thirteen years. I’m equally grateful to my teams, ateliers, and collaborators, whose craft and commitment made the work possible. This defining creative chapter at the helm of Rabanne will always have a significant resonance to me, both professionally and personally.”
His final project for the house was an eveningwear capsule and resort collection unveiled earlier this month.
Industry Attention Turns to Rabanne’s Next Creative Director
Rabanne has stated that Dossena’s successor “will be announced in due time,” and no official appointment has been confirmed.
However, industry speculation has intensified around Olivier Rousteing, who stepped down as Creative Director of Balmain in November 2025 after 14 years leading the French luxury house. During his tenure, Rousteing transformed Balmain into one of the most recognizable luxury brands of the digital era, earning acclaim for blending high fashion with pop culture and celebrity influence.
Although Rabanne has not officially commented on any candidates, attention is increasingly focused on who will lead the house into its next chapter.
At the same time, Dossena’s next move remains unknown. Having trained under Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga before spending more than a decade reshaping Rabanne, his future destination is expected to be closely watched across the fashion industry.
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