Phenomenal Rabanne designer creates limited edition H&M collection with aluminium fabric

In the most innovative collaboration of the decade, H&M and Julien Dossena bring to you a limited edition collection featuring recycled aluminium fabric. The man who single-handedly reinvented Paco Rabanne, Dossena can be described as a saunterer who takes inspiration from the streets.

H&M had approached Dossena 18 months ago for a possible collaboration, and as per Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's creative advisor and head of design for women's wear, Dossena had been on their radar for a while. H&M always has a wish list of designers and brands that they would like to work with.

As the designer narrates: "I love to observe the people around me: in my office, on the metro, at my local café. When I go to an exhibition, I try to find something to respond to, an idea that I may be able to use at a certain point. Patterns and actions that we can observe everywhere fascinate me."

After they proposed the idea, Dossena quickly agreed and poured his spirit into the project. The collaboration has resulted in a unique, limited collection, which is expected to be popular among fashion enthusiasts.

The deal with Rabanne's in-house designer opened doors for a collaboration between Rabanne and H&M to bring conceptual designs to a new audience at an accessible price. Accessibility and sustainability were guiding principles for both labels, who did not want to compromise on quality and production. Dossena, from Rabanne, carefully considered H&M's proposal, and both teams met in Paris before proceeding with the collaboration.

To achieve the desired motif, he looked at previous H&M collaborations and realized that iconic pieces were the most successful. The collection captures the essence of iconic clothing that people cherish in their closets and know that the collection will never be remade.

Paco Rabanne established his label to flaunt the most modernistic creations with a hidden carnal innuendo; similarly, Dossena plays with the theme of eroticism. Chainmail is a material that can be both sensual and radical. It is more sensual than silk, but it also provides a sense of metallic protection. Although it is lightweight, it gives the feeling of being surrounded by armour.

Dossena implied: "Chainmail is one of the most sensual materials you can find; more sensual than silk, and at the same time, more radical. On the one hand, it's light, so you almost feel naked, but then at the same time, you have this sense of metallic protection, like armour."

Thus, this chainmail glimmers throughout Dossena's collaboration with H&M. All the paillette dresses and accessories are the house icons that Dossena is thrilled that more people will get to experience. A purple twinset, a silver-and-gold shift dress, and a cap-sleeved top are just a few of the fruits of their metalwork, along with a series of mail coifs and bags in emerald, silver, and gold. Dossena also highlights a metallic mesh, spun into fringed skirts, cowl-neck tops, a sweeping silver gown, and a gilded maxi skirt as a technical triumph.

"The metallic mesh pieces are something we've been trying to achieve in a more sustainable way in-house for many years, with the same quality, resistance and shine, and H&M have done it," Dossena commented.

"I was clear from the beginning that I wanted to observe best practices with this collection, and H&M's production team worked really hard to achieve a blend of recycled and conventional aluminium, so it's a proud moment," he exclaimed.