Early PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Gold Evening Prom Grown Metal Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:PARIS, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2771215659042
Paco Rabanne
Visionary designer Paco Rabanne first made a name for himself in the 1960s when he introduced dresses, handbags and other clothing and accessories that went against the common sensibilities of the time and challenged the public's perception of what fashion should be. By working with unlikely materials such as paper and Rhodoid — a cellulose acetate plastic often used to line baking pans — Rabanne forced the fashion world to reconsider materials and form.
Rabanne was born Francisco Rabaneda y Cuervo in Spain’s Basque region. His mother was the head seamstress at Balenciaga when she relocated herself and her son to France in 1939 to escape the Spanish Civil War. Once in France, he took on the name Paco Rabanne.
Rabanne studied architecture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris but pivoted toward fashion and began to design accessories and costume jewelry. Rabanne collaborated with many acclaimed luxury houses — his early clients included Charles Jourdan, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin and Dior.
By 1966, Rabanne was working on avant-garde designs in his own newly-opened studio. He introduced a couture collection titled “Twelve Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials.” The garments — made of aluminum, plastic and eco-friendly paper and fastened with wire — were unveiled at a show that featured music and models of color (both uncommon characteristics for such an event). Sculptural, sexy and solidly Space Age in appearance, Rabanne’s experiments turned heads. Pop star-actresses Brigitte Bardot and Françoise Hardy would soon be seen in the designer’s iconic metallic dresses, and Rabanne found enthusiasts in the likes of revolutionary couturier Elsa Schiaparelli and art collector Peggy Guggenheim. In 1968 Rabanne designed leather boots and erotically charged dresses made of molded plastic and chain-mail mesh for the science fiction film Barbarella.
Rabanne called Salvador Dalí a close friend and drew on the Surrealist movement in his designs. He continued to use unconventional materials in his work. From aluminum jersey and fur to ostrich feathers and Velcro, everything was suitable for his pioneering garments. And Rabanne’s talents are diverse — his prolific output even includes stylish furniture.
In 1999 Rabanne retired from the fashion business. In 2010 he was named Officer of the Legion d’Honneur by the French culture minister. Today, under the creative direction of French designer Julien Dossena, the Paco Rabanne brand continues to innovate and offer looks that nod to the past as well as the future.
Find vintage Paco Rabanne clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: PARIS, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Early Alexander McQueen Joan of Arc 1998 AW98 Runway Catwalk Dress Suit CostumeBy Alexander McQueenLocated in PARIS, FRIconic Alexander McQueen runway suit from Joan of Arc autumn winter 1998 Collection! Piece of art! Wonderful silhouette! Red McQueen Silk lining Bottons on the sleeves Shoulder pads 2 pockets The show was inspired by Joan of Arc who led the French army to victory in a battle against the English in the 15th century. She was later captured, found guilty of heresy and burned at the stake...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Iconic Jean Paul Gaultier Cyberdot 1995 F/W Runway Haute Couture Mad Max VictorBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRIconic mesh butterfly dress from Jean Paul Gaultier! From the 2003 Spring Summer Collection!!! Very good Condition! 2 layers. A dress from the same collection was worn by Kendall J...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses
- John Galliano Sharp Wide Shoulder Pads Vintage 90s Large Work Working DressBy John GallianoLocated in PARIS, FRElegant dress by John Galliano! Sharp look! With massive shoulder pads! Wide shoulder look! 9-9 buttons at the wrists! LIKE NEW! SIZE Large. Marked size: FR42 / GB14 / D40 / USA 10...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Corset Bow Velvet Touch Vintage Medium New Midi DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRBeautiful evening dress by Jean Paul Gaultier! With leather corset shoulders :) With a big bow :) Velvet touch. NEW with Tag! SIZE Medium. Marked size: IT42 / FR38 / D38 / GB10 / ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses
- Plein Sud Safety Pin Panel Cut Out Cutout Wool Bondage Grey Large Medium DressBy Plein SudLocated in PARIS, FRSafety pin panel dress by Plein Sud! Unique piece! LIKE NEW! SIZE Fits from medium to large. Marked size: 40/8. Length: 89 cm / 35 inch Bust: 42 cm / 16.5 inch Waist: 33 cm / 13 in...Category
1990s Evening Dresses
- Kwaidan Editions Runway 2000 SS TRANSFORMER Semi Transparent Minimalist XS DressLocated in PARIS, FRRunway dress by Kwaidan Editions. From the SS20 "TRANSFORMER" collection. Runway look #23. With shoulder papds. Bell sleeves. A bit transparent. EXCELLENT condition! SIZE XS. Mar...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white striped trainBy Roland KleinLocated in Austin, TX1980s Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white train. Acetate fabric. 34" bust, 26" waist, 40" hips, 48" front length - 54 1/2" ba...Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Long asymmetrical evening dress with sequin embroideries and tulle Gai MattioloBy Gai MattioloLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRLong asymmetrical evening dress with sequin embroideries and tulle ajouré. NEW with tag. Zip on the left side. Shorter in the front than in the back. Fabric composition: 56% rayon, 4...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses
- UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford FW 2004 Black Silk & Tassle Evening Gown Dress 40By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Switzerland, CHRARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM STUNNING PIECE BY TOM FORD FOR HIS FINAL COLLECTION IN FALL 2004 FOR GUCCI Seen on the runway show, in the AD campaign and in many editorials One of the key...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 1996 Black Jersey Dress Gown w Pony Hair Belt 42By Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXVintage Runway Tom Ford for Gucci Black Jersey Dress Gown F/W 1996 Collection Designer size - 42 Black Jersey, Fully Lined, Slip-on Style. Black Pony Hair Belt...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Vintage fluid black dress in sheer jerseyLocated in Milano, ITFluid black dress in sheer jersey with lurex copper profiles and belt. Deep V neckline. Wide shoulder straps. Size IT:40 Size USA: 6 Waist: 66 cm Length: 152 cm Bust: 80 cmCategory
1970s American Evening Dresses
- Iconic Tom Ford for Gucci SS 2003 Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress SBy Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXIconic Tom Ford for Gucci Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress S/S 2003 Runway Collection Designer size - S Measurements: Length - 37", Bust - ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses