Julien Dossena

Julien Dossena has been the creative force behind Paco Rabanne since 2014, injecting the house with a fresh, dynamic energy that has resonated with new generations of fashion enthusiasts. Under his direction, the brand has moved beyond the nostalgic allure of its past to embrace a modern, wearable take on its signature futurism. Dossena’s tenure has seen him transform the chain-mail, metallic legacy of Rabanne into something altogether warmer, more approachable, yet undeniably daring—a mix that has made Paco Rabanne a sought-after name on international retail platforms like Net-a-Porter and MatchesFashion.

Before joining Paco Rabanne, Dossena honed his craft under the mentorship of Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, where he rose from intern to senior designer, contributing to the evolution of the brand during some of its most experimental years. He left Balenciaga in 2012 when Ghesquière departed, and briefly started his own label, Atto, before getting the nod from Marie-Amélie Sauvé to assist at Paco Rabanne. By spring 2014, Dossena had fully taken the reins, navigating the fine line between honoring the house’s storied heritage and pushing it towards a future filled with texture, warmth, and a kind of pragmatic glamour.

In 2019, Dossena expanded his vision by introducing menswear to the Paco Rabanne repertoire, promising the same kind of unconventional yet relatable sensibility that had already captivated his womenswear audience. He has also hinted at extending the brand’s influence into beauty, a move that seems poised to further solidify Paco Rabanne’s standing as a name that doesn’t just follow trends—it creates them.

Dossena’s accolades speak to his skill and the respect he commands within the industry. A 2014 LVMH Prize finalist and recipient of the special jury prize at the Hyères Festival during his student years, he’s consistently pushed boundaries while staying true to a vision that values the avant-garde as much as the wearable. His ability to balance these elements has not only revived Paco Rabanne but also redefined what the brand can mean in the 21st century.