Paco Rabanne names new creative director

The 30-year-old Frenchman is the third designer in as many years to take the reins at Paco Rabanne.

Previous incumbent Lydia Maurer left the French luxury label in May, just one year after the departure of Indian designer Manish Arora who lasted a year himself. Maurer’s two collections for Paco Rabanne were praised by the critics, but the relationship was not to last. 

“We are delighted to welcome Julien Dossena,” said the brand. “His radical and innovative interpretation of the Paco Rabanne style will allow us to firmly establish our collections in the world of the most avant-garde and desirable brands on the market.”

After interning for Chloé and Alexander McQueen, Dossena spent four years working under Nicholas Ghesquière at Balenciaga (where Paco Rabanne himself once worked designing jewelry). He also worked with Lion Blau and Florent Buonomano on the recently launched Atto ready-to-wear label which shares a mod-style 1960q aesthetic with Rabanne’s original collections.

Dossena’s debut show for his new employer is set to take place in Paris during the Spring 2014 shows this fall. 

jt/cm