Paco Rabanne Made in Paris Cocktail Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 37 in (93.98 cm)Marked Size: 40 (EU)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Sharon, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3238220448422
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: Sharon, CT
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Gertrude Arzt of Huntington (Texas) Silk/Satin Metallic Gold GownLocated in Sharon, CTA rare 1960's formal dress by important American designer Gertrude Arzt of Huntington Texas. Indian inspired overall pattern in gold thread on a satin/silk morphing color from yello...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1950's Original by Rudolf Silk Taffeta Cocktail DressBy Original by RudolfLocated in Sharon, CT1950's BallRoom Dress. Designer Max Cory Rudolf NYC Boutique. Tulle Slip attached to skirt. Bow in front below waist. Zipper in back. Appx USA 6Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Belle Epoque Silk GownLocated in Sharon, CTSilk satin ecru gown with Brussels lace and dotted tulle on sleeves, and seed pearl tassels attached to sleeves and base of dress.Category
Early 20th Century American Court Gowns
- French Chinoise Art Deco Beaded Evening BlouseLocated in Sharon, CTEmbroidered mostly silver beads in a Chinoise design, on a semi transparent black ground.Category
1920s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Mallinson's Satin Silk Belle Epoque DressLocated in Sharon, CTOf basically an indescribable golden yellow, and constructed of the finest Satin/Silk, a beautiful and complex example of 'Belle Epoque' elegance. Stamped: MALLINSON'S SATIN ORMANDE ...Category
Early 1900s American Evening Dresses
- Abayah as a Dress, manner of PoiretLocated in Sharon, CTAs a dress in the manner of Poiret. Silk with gold thread. Slit tapestry technique. Tablet Weaving.Category
Early 20th Century Syrian Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1930's Pleated & Ruched Amber Satin Dress UK 10 US 6Located in Cheltenham, GBA beauty to behold, this original 1930's satin dress rendered in the most sumptuous shade of amber satin, is the perfect statement piece for your special occasion wardrobe. The rou...Category
1930s Evening Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Alexander McQueen S/S 2009 Swarovski Crystal Structured Kaleidoscope Mini DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Chicago, ILDesigned by Alexander McQueen for the Spring/Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection" collection. This particular dress was featured on the runway for that season with the print included in numerous garment designs and color palettes. Sleeveless sculptural shift dress. Multicolor kaleidoscope abstract crystal print pattern. V-slit neckline. Center front hemline slit. Large faceted Swarovski crystal embellishments in various sizes at shoulders and center back waistline. Crystals have an intentional distressed look to them, which include scratches at the surfaces, and a silver backing that highlights an aged, and raw reflective appearance. The silk blend of this garment offers a slight sheen to the material. Center back invisible zipper with single hook and eye closure. Fully lined. This dress is recognized as InStyle magazine's 2009 "100 Best Dresses...CategoryEarly 2000s Italian Evening Dresses
Alexander McQueen F/W 2010 “Angels & Demons” Medieval Art Royalty Gown DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Chicago, ILFrom Alexander McQueen’s final collection, this spectacular piece features digitally printed imagery depicting Medieval religious ar...Category21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses