Shop Rabanne X H&M: I Tried On Everything From The Collection—Here’s What I’d Recommend

Party season is almost upon us, and with the dopamine from Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour looks all but depleted, one glittering retro-futuristic collection is arriving to save the day: Rabanne X H&M. Dropping 9 November, Rabanne is the latest sure-to-sell-out designer collaboration from H&M, with all the space-age chainmail, textured paillettes and metal fringing you could ask for.

As a Rabanne enthusiast, I will admit to shopping one or two knock-offs in my early 20s. So, when news reached me that the legendary brand would be next in line for an H&M collab, I jumped for joy. Visionary partywear at a high-street price? Sign me up. Some colleagues had their doubts. So much of what we want to feel in Rabanne is expensive: a hedonistic, decadent opulence. Can you really deliver the Paco Rabanne fantasy at a fraction of the price without it looking, god forbid, cheap? This collection is the most powerful argument that you can.

Walking into the H&M showroom, it’s hard for your jaw not to drop. Even on hangers, the clothes pop. A metallics-heavy collection, jam-packed with shimmering sequins and crystals, all the clothes seem to dazzle and dance under the light. Even better, they pass the touch test: the pieces feel substantial, rather than the flimsiness of your average copy, and the mesh is heavy and thick. Plus, beyond all the glitter and discs, there are casual items that deliver plenty of retro glamour, too.

My top tip? Step outside your comfort zone. As a magpie, I was most excited about the shiniest, sparkliest pieces, but so many items I would’ve usually walked past ended up impressing me: the long jacquard dress; the mohair cardigan; the ’70s-style knit set. And the biggest highlight of the collection? The accessories. Make sure to check out the matching earrings, necklaces, shoes, bags, and, of course, the headpieces. Go hard or go home.

The mens’ collection is also worth a browse. There are many equally bedazzled, glamorous party pieces, which is refreshing to see, and the green tracksuit comes in the most gorgeous shade. They didn’t have the full set to try on at the showroom, but having seen the womens’ set, I know I’ll be getting an emerald pair once the collection is live.

Another word of advice: for a collection that will, no doubt, appeal to many members of the acrylics community, there are a lot of finicky buttons. Factor in extra time to get in and out, especially if you have long nails. If possible, have someone help, or risk running late.