June 24, 2026 |
After 13 year at the helm of Rabanne, today Julien Dossena announces he is leaving the house.
In a statement, the designer wrote: “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.”
Dossena leaves behind a significant legacy. Over the course of 13 years at Rabanne, he successfully redefined the house for the 21st century, balancing respect for Paco Rabanne’s radical vision with a contemporary sensibility. Rather than treating the founder’s futuristic codes as museum pieces, he translated them into a modern wardrobe through fluid tailoring, innovative fabrications and an effortless sense of cool. His collections frequently referenced the brand’s signature metal mesh and space-age heritage, yet felt grounded in the realities of how people dress today.
Under his direction, Rabanne evolved from a heritage name into one of fashion’s most beloved houses. Dossena expanded its appeal across ready-to-wear, accessories and celebrity dressing, attracting a loyal following that appreciated his blend of experimentation and wearability. He also helped establish Rabanne as a fixture on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, earning critical acclaim for collections that consistently pushed the conversation forward while remaining true to the brand’s avant-garde DNA.
“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,” wrote Ana Trias, president, prestige & fashion brands of Puig.
Rabanne has long been defined by innovation, irreverence and a futuristic spirit. Founded by Paco Rabanne, the house built its reputation on unconventional materials, boundary-pushing construction and a vision of fashion that looked relentlessly toward the future. Under Dossena, those foundations were reinterpreted for a new era through fluid silhouettes and experimental textures. His work preserved the house’s pioneering energy while making it feel accessible, desirable and culturally relevant.
His successor is yet to be announced.
Portrait courtesy of Rabanne.
