The house known for pioneering fashion designs that first made their ‘futuristic’ space-age mark in the 60s, will become known simply as ‘Rabanne’. In addition, to support its popular fragrance line it will also launch a cosmetics collection.
“Simplified and more international in spirit, the name change to Rabanne represents a pivotal moment for the Maison as it celebrates a decade of remarkable growth and looks forward to shaping a new future uniting fashion and beauty as a one unique signature and lifestyle,” the brand said in a statement announcing the move.
Established by Spanish-born Paco Rabanne in 1966, the label became known for Rabanne’s avant-garde vision with modern values, creating garments and accessories from surprising industrial materials like plastic and metal.
Rabanne’s mother was the head seamstress for the famed Spanish-born couturier Cristobal Balenciaga and Rabanne initially studied architecture at the école Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris before using his knowledge to help create the radical and sensual garments. Most well-known were a collection of ingenious and sexy metal mini dresses and chainmail accessories that became a sensation. Elements of these designs have carried through each collection and the popular chainmail is still a key part of new collections across fashion and accessories.
Fragrance has also played a large role in the success of the brand over the years, with scents like 1 Million and Invictus for men and Olympea and FAME for women remaining among perfume best-sellers.
To accompany the name change, the brand will now enter new territory with the launch of its first-ever makeup collection. Rabanne Beauty will include a range of “high–performance formulas that fuse unexpected shades with fashion fabric–inspired metallic finishes”, according to a press release. A report on the launch in WWD says the line is expected to have 90 skus, or stock-keeping units, across eyes, lips and skin and will be available from the brand’s e-commerce site, as well as Sephora in Europe and Ulta Beauty in the US.
“Rabanne Makeup comes in striking, high-gloss gold, silver metallic and mirrored packaging. Each must-have product is inspired by the codes, symbols, and icons of the catwalk, including the iconic 1969 bag and XL link jewelry, creating ultra-desirable pieces for the Rabanne tribe to collect,” the initial statement shared.
“Born in Paris, made to forge a new future, Rabanne Makeup invites non-stop play via four uncompromisingly bold universes: EYEPHORIA for endlessly expressive eyes, ROUGE RABANNE for your Paris lip signature, NUDES for a luminous, fresh complexion and ARTS FACTORY – a never-before-seen array of artistry-inspired products.”
The range will be on show at the brand’s SS24 runway show in September, showcasing work from the brand’s newly-appointed Rabanne Beauty Creative Director, respected international makeup artist Diane Kendal.
