Paco Rabanne Rare Rhodoïd One-off Dress, Circa 1960/70s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 36 (EU)Bust: 14.97 in (38 cm)Waist: 13.39 in (34 cm)Hip: 16.54 in (42 cm)
- Style:1965s (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
- Reference Number:
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: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Ungaro Beaded Embroidered Evening Dress, Size 36FRBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRUngaro-Emanuel Ungaro Couture - Paris Bolduc: 3194-5-94 Dress composed of three red and beige silk linings fully embroidered with red beads, woven threads and raffia in a foliage and...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses
- Louis Féraud Haute Couture "Universal" Dress Spring/Summer show, 1991By Louis FeraudLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRLouis Féraud - Organized dress embroidered with mother of pearl buttons. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 34FR/36FR. Pretty Woman" collection, "Universal" modem, Haute Couture ...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses
- Louis Féraud Haute Couture Satin Dress Embroidered with Mother of Pearl ButtonsBy Louis FeraudLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRLouis Féraud -Satin dress embroidered with mother of pearl buttons. It is accompanied by a beige muslin stole also embroidered. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 34FR/36FR. Co...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses
- Christian Lacroix Organza Set EnsembleBy Christian LacroixLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChristian Lacroix -(Made in France) Organza set consisting of a top, a long skirt and a belt. No size label, it fits a size 42FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Top: Chest: 50...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses
- Valentino Blue Short Dress Embroidered with SequinsBy ValentinoLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRValentino - Short dress embroidered with sequins. No size or composition label, it fits a 36FR. Fashion show model from the 1990's. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 40 cm,...Category
1990s Mini Dress
- Jean-Louis Scherrer Ivory Silk Dress Haute Couture, 1993By Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRJean-Louis Scherrer - (Made in France) Ivory silk dress with gold and pink big flower appliqués, sequinned embroideries, and colored stones. No size nor composition label, it fits a ...Category
20th Century French Maxi Dress
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S CrystalsBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S Crystals MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from arou...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
- Runway Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989 Lipstick Red Rayon Jersey Strapless 80s DressBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in San Diego, CASensational vintage YSL Rive Gauche spring / summer 1989 runway lipstick red rayon jersey strapless 1980s dress ! The same dress was featured on the runway in black. Sash at side wai...Category
1980s French Cocktail 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
- Black see-though lace on a tulle base Christian DiorBy Christian DiorLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack see-though lace on a tulle base. Zip in the middle back. SIZE 36 (Fr) 4 (US)Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Yellow evening dress with embroideries and rhinestone Gai Mattiolo Love to LoveBy Gai MattioloLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRYellow evening dress with thread embroideries and rhinestone on a tulle base. Beige gros-grain ribbon on the shoulder strap and waist. Hook&eye in...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- 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