Rabanne Spring Summer 2024 Fashion Show

On September 28th, at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the renowned fashion house Rabanne unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 Collection, titled "Origins of the Future." This collection, conceived by Julien Dossena, embarks on a contemplative odyssey that traverses the depths of antiquity and stretches into the uncharted realms of the future.

Dossena's latest masterpiece emerges as a mirage, seamlessly merging enduring myths and ancient artifacts with dreamlike narratives and illusions. The result is a powerful representation of femininity, one that stands statuesque and fearless, transcending the boundaries of time.

This collection exudes an archaeological expressiveness deeply rooted in the present, offering a simultaneous exploration of ancient craftsmanship and its contemporary evolution. It delves into the interplay between tactile sensations and sensuality. The human body becomes a canvas for traditional garments such as sarouel pants and scarf tops, which are transformed through geometric metallic embroidery, metal fringe, and lacing. These pieces juxtapose raw, rustic fabrics with intricate beading and loose gold threads, evoking a sense of exquisite decay.

However, amid this profound connection to the past, a parallel modern narrative unfolds. Tailored jackets with gathered fronts, angular basque waistlines, and slouched trousers exude a contemporary grunge attitude. Draping techniques reminiscent of antique marble statuary create delicate fabric folds, while serigraphic prints capture the interplay of light and shadow. Wool and hemp knits and wovens pay homage to the artistic legacy of Sheila Hicks, forming contoured silhouettes that dissolve into densely layered fiber volumes. The material experience becomes intimate, with the swish of liquid metal mesh and the tactile sensation of wood discs and peacock feathers engaging the skin. This tactile journey is heightened by a palette that expands beyond Rabanne's iconic black, gold, and silver, encompassing gradient desert tones, luminous copper, and serene shades of blue and lilac.

Mystical elements manifest through sculptural hardware, ranging from forehead pendants to belts adorned with gleaming spheres, as well as sandals embellished with rock crystals. Openwork boots offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the gladiator style. The collection culminates in a revisitation of the iconic "Nues" series by photographer Jean Clemmer and Paco Rabanne from 1962. These captivating images grace tank tops, paired with Swarovski crystal and metal mesh dresses, emphasizing the enduring mystery and desire that define Rabanne's creations. In this collection, the past, present, and future come together in a mesmerizing dance of material, form, and imagination.