Rabanne Spring/Summer 2026 Takes A Day Off At The Beach

By Nisha Kapitzki

 Spanish fashion house Paco Rabanne, founded in 1966 by designer Francisco “Paco” Rabaneda Cuervo, was known for his futuristic approach and unconventional use of materials while blending fashion, art, and design in unusual ways. Julien Dossena took over as creative director of womenswear in 2013, bringing the house back to relevance and modernity while respecting its heritage. Under Dossena, Paco Rabanne, now simply, Rabanne, has successfully repositioned the brand to a younger audience. Dossena’s Spring Summer 2026 collection was highlighted in Paris with guests such as Mahmood, Yasmin Finnley and Aubri Ibrag attending.

Bringing The Beach To Paris

 A day at the beach is filled with wonderful colors, usually bright. Either because of the various bold colors used in beach toys and towels or from the ingredients of sandwiches and fruitful ice teas or simply because the sun is glaring into your eyes. The sand molds to your feet and the water splashes against you as you float. Hours go by at two-times speed while you rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Endless to say, a beach day always equates to a good day, especially on vacation. Which is what Dossena intended to encapsulate with Rabanne’s SS26 womenswear. Dossena’s inspiration came from “aspirational domesticity, glamorous screen sirens, opulent holiday escapism… all outward signals of prosperity amidst deeper tensions and the challenges to come” according to his comment to Vogue Australia.

Taking a bird's eye view of this collection, it starts with lighter and pastel colors, giving each garment a light and playful feel. The colors highlighted from the yellow sand, light blue shallow water, orange crabs and offshore shells (Looks 10, 11). The deeper we dive into the collection the darker the colors, transitioning from the shoreline and into the ocean. The various dark shades of blue and greens, coming from the depth of water and the seaweeds found below it (Looks 26, 27).

Rabanne Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 10, 11, 26, 27 (Images courtesy of Rabanne)

Throughout the collection, various looks are accessorized with scuba inspired sunglasses and rubber flip flops (Look 8). Mini dresses with accentuated curves layered with embellishments, replicating the mixture of sediments and waves at the breaker of the shoreline (Look 2). Or the visualization of the first day of summer break, wearing a mix of your swimsuit and pajamas, half asleep heading to the beach (Look 19). Or, perhaps wearing the first things lying around in your room over your surf suit (Look 21). What is the point of changing an outfit if you are going to take it off anyway? 

Rabanne Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 8, 2, 19, 21 (Images courtesy of Rabanne)

The styling of the collection is quite eccentric, with multiple layers, mis-matched patterns and several different cut outs, the garments feel slightly suffocated, Just like the post-beach clean-up. Folding the semi wet beach towels, deflating the toys, rinsing, and packing the cutlery and food containers while simultaneously dumping everything in the bag. The intent behind this decision remains unclear (Looks 3, 31).

Rabanne Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 3, 31 (Images courtesy of Rabanne)

Shine Bright Like The Sun

The star of this collection had to be the metallic details, whether seen through the heels, the jewelry, or the garment themselves. The gold and silver detailing was the sparkling touch needed with the collection. Look 20, a silver mini dress made completely out of tinsel with an orange bikini top peeking through. Look 16, a blue, black, and orange polo shirt paired with a gold scrunched up mini skirt. The final detail, a silver and gold necklace replicating forms of leaves and flowers. These rare moments of metallics gave the collection a wave of energy replicating the fleeting moments of the sun reflecting on the water, glistening into the distance. Or the moments during golden hour when everything in the sun’s way radiates and glows. 

Rabanne Spring/Summer 2026: Looks 20, 16 (Images courtesy of Rabanne)