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Paco Rabanne

Spanish, 1934-2023

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.

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Period: 1980s
Designer: Paco Rabanne
A Paco Rabanne Couture Bolero in "Papier Fou" Called - France Circa 1981
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1981 France Iconic quilted Bolero with fins in "Papier Fou" by Paco Rabanne Haute Couture dating from the first edition of 1981. Thi...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

A/W 1988 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Gold Chainmail Bustier Gown
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A/W 1988 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture gown with floral chainmail bust and black and gold feather patterned velvet sleeves. Features long gold cube drop chain with black tassel at back....
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1980s Paco Rabanne

Skirt by Paco Rabanne with black ribbons on red wool - Spring Summer 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1989 Collection France Beautiful skirt in scarlet red wool cloth with a checkerboard of pleated ribbons in black satin by Paco Rabanne, look 19. Fitted skirt with fla...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

S/S 1988 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Iridescent Beaded Set
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
S/S 1988 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture iridescent beaded bustier, skirt, and earring set. Structured strapless bustier featuring beaded 'fringe...
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1980s Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Floral and Beaded Sequin Chainmaille 3-Piece Set
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paco Rabanne Floral and Beaded Sequin Chainmaille 3-Piece Set Vintage; circa 1980s 3-piece set Includes strapless top, skirt, and chainmaille jacket Skirt features a large scale re...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Made in Paris Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Sharon, CT
Scalloped layers of material, fully line. zipper on side. Fits American size 4-6
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Black Dress Fall Collection, 1988
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture - Evening dress in black composite material made of magnetic strips and red velvet. 1988/89 Fall-Winter Collection. No composition or size tag, it fits a ...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Gold and Silver Dress Paco Rabanne, Size 36FR
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne -Long silver and gold coated canvas dress embellished with gold metallic plates. No size or composition label, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

S/S 1987 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Runway Sheer Embroidered Ruffle Gown
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black and multicolor Paco Rabanne Haute Couture gown. From the Spring/Summer 1987 collection, this fabulous gown de...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne White Velvet Buckle Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne white stretch velour mini dress with a square neckline and three metal buckles at the chest. New with Tags.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Rich Shades of Browns and Yellow Striped Center Silk Scarf
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Paco Rabanne wonderfully rich shades of browns and yellow accented with black surrounding a striped center silk scarf measures 30 inches by 31 inches. Edges are hand-rolled and ...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne 1985 "House of Medici" Haute Couture Gown Museum Collectors
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1985 Paco Rabanne Couture one-of-a-kind couture gown fashioned of silk velvet with bolero of heavily embroidered soutache and sequins in a floral ...
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1980s Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Black Silk Belted Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Black silk sleeveless fitted mini dress with an attached metal horse bit buckled belt from PACO RABANNE and an invisible back zipper. New with tags.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Black Silk Shirt Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's New with Tag black silk button up shirt dress with a wool crepe skirt and wide attached belt from PACO RABANNE.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Beige Stretch Belted Skirt
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne beige stretch knit midi skirt with an attached fabric belt with gold logo buckle and a back zipper closure. New with Tags.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Black and White Psychedelic Print Shirt Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne black and white silk psychedelic print long sleeve shirt dress with a wool crepe skirt and an attached wide belt. New with Tags.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

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Vintage 1960's Christian Dior Peach Pink Silk Skirt Suit UK 6 US 2
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Located in Cheltenham, GB
Made in the most elegant shade of blushing peach silk, this original 1960's Christian Dior skirt suit, is a rare addition to your vintage collection. The rounded neckline of the jacket is framed by a stand-away panelled collar which draws together along the front left hand side with a matching blush peach coloured button fastening. The simple shoulder line sets off the full length sleeves. The tailored cut of the jacket boasts a double breasted design with four mock button fastenings along the right hand side of the bodice and four button fastenings along the left hand side. The elegant cut, is accented by tailored darts that run upwards along either side of the front of the fitted waistline, which boasts a matching fabric belt, embellished with a stylised bow, which conceals the hook and eye fastening. The lightly flared hemline is accented by gathered pleats from beneath the waistline and along the back of the jacket . The matching skirt boasts a simple waistband and a central hook and eye and metal zip fastening. The line of the skirt is accented by gathered pleats that radiate from beneath the waistline, completing this suit in a truly iconic 1960's Christian Dior Silhouette. The skirt is silk lined Label: Christian Dior - London, Modèle Original, Made in England Measurements of the Jacket Armpit to Armpit: up to 38 inches Shoulder to Hem: 21.5 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Shoulder to End of Sleeve: 19 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches Fastenings: 4 external buttons, an internal button along the neckline and an internal press stud along the waist. Measurements of the Skirt Waist: up to 24 inches Waist to Hem: 25 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: This skirt fastens along the back with a press stud, a hook and eye and an 8 inch metal zip. Size: UK 6 US 2 Condition: This dress set is in perfect vintage condition. An age mark to the back left hand side of the skirt just above the hemline . A small age mark along the back right hand side of the skirt just above the hemline. A very light water mark along the back right hand side of the skirt near the zip. A small age mark along the right hand side sleeve just above the cuff hemline. Very light water marks along the armpits. Very light surface discolouration along the shoulder seams and side of the collar. These minor details are not apparent when the suit is being worn and only noticeable upon close inspection. Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned or hand washed in cool water. Fabric: Worsted Silk, Silk Lined Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson, we try our very best to note all the details of each garment, although we may sometimes overlook things, which we do apologise for. Please do not expect perfection, unless stated so. Please make sure you check all the measurements of the garment before purchasing...
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Antique Japanese Misty Blue Silk Haori Kimono Jacket - Meiji era
Located in Boston, MA
Circa: Meiji Place of Origin: Japan Material: Silk Condition: Very good Blue gray misty puffy clouds and hand-sketched flowers all silk kimono is handmade in old Japan. Some loose threads and age spots. Will leave it to new owner to refresh. Total length 38". Sleeve end-to-end: 52". Sleeve drop: 18". Great to collect and chic to wear as boho jacket...
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Vivienne Westwood Red Label Cream White Lace Corset Dress
By RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
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Previously Available Items
Paco Rabanne top 1980s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Black Rhodoid pastille top ornamented with golden, red, and blue dors assembled with metal rings and ornamented with bells. Muslin sleeves. No size nor composition lab...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Coat in Textured Canvas
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
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Paco Rabanne Mini Dress in Metallic Mesh
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Mini dress in metallic mesh. No size or composition label, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 37 cm, Chest: 42 cm, Sleeve length: ...
Category

1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Metallic Dress Spring/Summer Collection, 1982
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Pencil dress comprised of oval silvery metal chips. No signature. 1982 Spring/Summer Collection. No indicated size, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Bust...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Silver Chainmail Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne silver chainmail bag composed of stamped metal squares. Lined with black bag with zip. Fits an iPhone. Handle Drop: 12.5".
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1980s Paco Rabanne

A Paco Rabanne (attributed to) Jewel Dress Tunic Circa 1980
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Astonishing Haute Couture Paco Rabanne jewel dress or tunic without label and dating from the 1980s. Superb work of diamonds with irides...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

A Paco Rabanne (attributed to) Jewel Dress Tunic Circa 1980
A Paco Rabanne (attributed to) Jewel Dress Tunic Circa 1980
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Size: Equivalent French Size 36/38
New Vintage Paco Rabanne Translucent Black & White Sunglasses Germany 1980
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Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Sunglasses By Paco Rabanne. Translucent black & white frame. Made in Spain. 1980's. New, never worn, or displayed. Frame may sho...
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1980s Spanish Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Cream Stretch Cross Back Maxi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne stretch knit maxi dress in cream with a criss-cross straps and an open back and a relaxed metal buckle detail waist belt. New with Tag.
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1980's Paco Rabanne Gold Silk Mock Neck Belted Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Gold silk sleeveless mini dress with a mock neck and hidden back zipper featuring an attached tonal wide belt from PACO RABANNE 1980's collection. Ne...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

1980's Paco Rabanne Black Silk Mock Neck Belted Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's New with Tag Paco Rabanne black silk mini dress with a mock neck and attached patent leather wide belt. Back zipper closure.
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980. France. Paco Rabanne bag in hexagonal metallic silver pieces on fluted black silk fabric. Emblematic of the work of the couturier who is akin to the creator of this per...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Bag
Paco Rabanne Bag
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H 6.7 in D 8.27 in L 8.27 in
1980s Paco Rabanne Black Palazzo Pants with Skirt Overlay and Bolero Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Port Hope, ON
A mix of gauzy and uniform viscose/rayon, this outfit comprises of palazzo pants with generous slits; an overlay skirt which drapes and ties at the side with a bronze buckle and butt...
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1980s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Paco Rabanne fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of green, pink, red and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Jean-Louis Scherrer, Guy Laroche, and Pierre Balmain appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Paco Rabanne fashion from top boutiques around the world. Paco Rabanne fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $41,093, while the average work can sell for $1,172.
Questions About Paco Rabanne
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The fashion house Paco Rabanne is no longer called by its former name due to a shift in its approach to design. In 2023, the luxury fashion brand announced its intentions to drop Paco from the name and rebrand as Rabanne. The move coincided with the fashion house's 60th anniversary and reflected a move toward simpler, more minimal pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Paco Rabanne apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    The story of what happened to Paco Rabanne centers on a name change. The French fashion house's founder, Paco Rabanne, passed away in 2023. A few months later, the label announced its intentions to drop Paco from its name and begin operating under Rabanne. The brand had previously gone on hiatus in 1999 following Paco Rabanne's retirement, only to be revived under the leadership of a new creative director, Manish Arora, in 2011. Julien Dossena took over the role in 2013 and continued to guide the fashion house through its name change and rebranding. Shop a collection of Paco Rabanne apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

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