Rediscover the joy of dressing up with Paco Rabanne
Staying true to its signature style, the Parisian label’s uplifting FW21 collection is a riot of print, texture, sparkle and shine – making it a fail-safe choice this party season
After 18 months of global lockdowns and social distancing, the return of events and party season in the run up to the holidays has never been met with such anticipation. With intimate gatherings and more pared-back celebrations now filling up our festive dairies, the desire to compile an exuberant yet elegant party closet feels particularly exciting, especially now that we can truly appreciate what a privilege it is to spend quality time with our nearest and dearest.
However, it would be foolhardy to totally discard the sartorial lessons we learned in lockdown, the most revelatory being that prioritizing comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on style. Which is why, this party season, the key to mastering after-dark dressing is striking the perfect balance of elegance and effortlessness.
“This fabled house has been the go-to for fashion’s cool girls since it was first established by its namesake founder in 1966
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Enter Paco Rabanne, the storied Parisian label renowned for its playful and innovative aesthetic. This fabled house has been the go-to for fashion’s cool girls since it was first established by its namesake founder in 1966. The brand quickly became a favorite with the likes of Françoise Hardy, Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. Fast-forward to today, and under the masterful steer of Brittany-born creative director Julien Dossena, who has been at the creative helm since 2013, Paco Rabanne has become fashion’s darling once again. Dossena’s innate ability to combine fun and frivolity with an air of refinement has seen the brand worn by everyone from music moguls Rihanna and Dua Lipa to top models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski.
Dossena was busy dreaming up his enchanting FW21 collection back at the start of 2021, when Parisians were still subject to a 6pm curfew and many other lockdown regulations were in force in the French capital. Dossena’s designs speak to his optimism that, by the end of the year, women worldwide would be preparing for a party season when dressing up, dancing and revelling were all on the cards once again.
Sparkles are a Paco Rabanne signature, and one that Dossena used to sublime effect this season. From a silver sequined dress with floor-sweeping hems to futuristic separates and accessories, Dossena’s high-shine designs will make you look and feel fantastic in an instant. Similarly, asymmetric and body-sculpting dresses cast in ditsy florals and polka dots are one-and-done outfits guaranteed to boost your mood. However, Dossena’s exquisite FW21 collection was not rooted entirely in escapism. Ever the sartorial alchemist, he also managed to incorporate his lockdown surroundings into needle-moving designs. Dossena, like many of us, spent his downtime binge watching The Crown, with Princess Diana’s early wardrobe providing the inspiration for his cosy woollen and velvet cardigans and his metallic-take on the classic Fair Isle sweater.
So whether you’re throwing yourself into party season with serious gusto, or easing yourself back into the social scene with intimate gatherings, there’s a piece for every occasion in Paco Rabanne’s covetable new collection. It’s time to rediscover the joy and ritual of dressing up.
“Asymmetric and body-sculpting dresses cast in ditsy florals and polka dots are one-and-done outfits guaranteed to boost your mood
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