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.
$500Sale Price|35% Off
Paco Rabanne Spring Summer 2022 Two-Piece Fluorescent Floral Pant Set
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Two-piece set from Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2022 in a fluorescent multicolor pansy print. Blouse is cut from soft stretch jersey with paneled tailoring. Features pleating at the c...
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. This famous model is taken up by the Couture Ho...
Paco Rabanne 1994 Mini Robe Deco FR38 DIY Gold Sequins Iconic Dress UK10 US6
By Paco Rabanne
Located in PARIS, FR
Paco Rabanne 1994 dress (to assemble yourself, originally) in large gold plastic sequins and gold metal rings, Paco Rabanne signature plaque in silve...
PACO RABANNE black 2024 FLORAL PANELED JERSEY MAXI Dress 36 XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Paco Rabanne maxi dress is crafted from black stretch jersey viscose (90%) and elastane (10%), offering both comfort and a flattering fit. It features a fitted, l...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Black Chainmail Star Shaped Disc Mesh Vest Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Sheffield, GB
An instantly recognisable, Iconic Paco Rabanne Chain Mail Vest. Crafted in Madagascar from Black Star shaped Plastic discs with Silver colo...
Leopard printed mesh and silk sleeveless top Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Leopard printed mesh and silk sleeveless top. Knotted in the back. Mesh: 100% aluminium and second fabric: 100% polyester. Small chain on the top of the middle back with brand. SIZE ...
Stunning Paco Rabanne x H&M Silver Metal Dress - Size XL
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Krakow, PL
Title: Paco Rabanne x H&M Silver Metal Dress Sz. XL – Collaboration Description: Paco Rabanne x H&M silver metal dress from the exclusive collaboration. Straight cut design with butt...
$1,914Sale Price|20% Off
Paco Rabanne Silver Metal Mesh Tank Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE silver metal mesh tank top. Rectangular metal label reads PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements taken laid flat : length approx 47 cm ...
Paco Rabanne Women Daisy Chain Link Top FR 36 US Small Blue Iridiscent Chainmail
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Miami, FL
- Tagged size 36 - Made of 60% PVC 40% Brass Condition: The top is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ) Chest:...
1990s Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Cardinal Red Crushed Velvet Caftan w Jewel Cuff
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Cardinal Red Crushed Velvet Caftan w Jeweled Chainlink Cuffs: A rare and unusual Haute Couture design from the visionary designer himself! there is m...
Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6
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 ...
Paco Rabanne Black and White Acrylic Vintage Halter Crop Top, 1960s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely awesome PACO RABANNE 1960s acrylic black and white checkered halter crop top! Silver metal hooks attach each square piece of acrylic. Adju...
Paco Rabanne Rhodoid Disc DIY Dress - '60s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Paco Rabanne sequin dress made from golden rhodoid discs. Created using the iconic DIY kit, a true collector's piece from the 1960s. Remarks: there are many spots and signs of wear...
Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket; Comprised of gold-tone linked metal discs. Open front with no closure.
PACO RABANNE Silver Foil Grid Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE silver foil grid dress. Top surface is silver foil printed creating a metallic chain mail effect on a black knit spandex base. Cross back shoulder straps. Label reads...
Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Spring 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Dress made of a metal pastille top and a silk crepe skirt. A Fashion show prototype from the 1989 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Composition ...
Paco Rabanne top Spring-Summer 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Top made of varnished metallic elements on transparent plastic pastilles tied with metallic rings. Prototype from fashion show, 1989 Spring-Summer Col...
Paco Rabanne top circa 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal top with shuttled and bells. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Collection circa 1990. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm - Len...
Beautiful Paco Rabanne Runway Gown Brocart Extraordinary Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Berlin, BE
In a hypnotic interplay of opulence and irony, Paco Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2020 Collection delivers a baroque fever dream - none more emblematic than this look: a beautiful brocade go...
Paco Rabbane 1990s Black Lace Babydoll Dressw/ Rhinestone Buttons
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s black Paco Rabbane lace dress! Features functional black buttons, with rhinestones up the front. Tie at back to control desired fit. Fully...
Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Summer 1993
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Black silk crepe sheath dress with a long V-neck ornamented with a black shiny silk band, and openwork long sleeves. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 1993 Spring-Sum...
Paco Rabanne dress winter 2023
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Short polyester dress with recycled shells and silvery metal. Size 36FR indicated. 2023/2024 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Julien Dossena. Co...
Paco Rabanne lace dress 1990s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery silk veil dress embroidered with white and metallic fishnet with a frothy effect. Piece from the 1990s. Composition and size labels missing, i...
Paco Rabanne Spring 2001 Black Cotton Jersey Asymmetric Zip Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A stunning and rare archival piece from the Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2001 collection. This mid-length dress is crafted from a high-quality black cotton jersey, offering both comfor...
Rabanne Black Celluloid Pastilles Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne -Black celluloid pastilles dress hold together with silvery metal rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition ...
Printed Faux fur single breasted coat with black satin collar PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Animal printed aux fur single breasted coat with black satin collar . Main fabric composition: 100% polyacrylic. Satin composition: 100% polyester. Lining composition: 55% rayon, 45%...
$594Sale Price|30% Off
Paco Rabanne Vintage 90s Rare Floral Mini Skirt with Belt
By Paco Rabanne
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This very rare Paco Rabanne Miniskirt from the 1990s is a vintage piece that exemplifies the brand's innovative approach to fashion during that era. Crafted from softgreen (was hard ...
Paco Rabanne top Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metallic mesh top with straps made of transparent bakelite and silvery metal. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2001 Spring-Summer Coll...
Paco Rabanne 'Button' top Haute Couture Summer 1970
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Top made of silvery and golden metal buttons, and with tiny golden button fringes. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Not signed piece from the 1970 Spring- Summe...
Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 1990 Rare Iconic Silk Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Berlin, BE
In a fleeting moment of pure sartorial poetry, Paco Rabanne defied his own reputation for armor-like futurism and delivered something ethereal, sensual, and utterly unforgettable. Th...
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture yellow ostrich feather mini dress, ss 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
▪ Paco Rabanne Haute Couture mini dress ▪ Museum piece ▪ Constructed from a latticework or plexiglass, ostrich feathers, plastic and metal r...
Paco Rabanne skirt Haute Couture Summer 1993
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - PVC fishnet skirt with a black silk belt. The inside decoration is made of multicolored foam and polystyrene. The skirt is ornamented with blue, yellow, red, and green...
Rare PACO RABANNE SS 1998 Reveal Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Berlin, BE
In an unforgettable moment of runway alchemy, Paco Rabanne’s Spring/Summer 1998 collection delivered one of the most quietly theatrical fashion sleights of hand in ‘90s couture...
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...
NWOT Paco Rabanne Gold Sequin Dress - Size 36/S
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Krakow, PL
Paco Rabanne Gold Sequin Dress Sz.FR36 / S Description: Paco Rabanne gold sequin dress Fit: fitted Closure: buttons Condition: Never worn, no visible signs of use, no tags Color:...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Prototype Runway Dress - Leather Corset - FW 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
An extraordinary piece of fashion history, this black bodycon dress is a rare haute-couture prototype from Paco Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2001 collection, designed by Rosemary Rodriguez....
Paco Rabanne top circa 2000
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metallic mesh backless top. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 34FR/36FR. A Collection from the early 2000s. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
Paco Rabanne Skirt in Pink Metallic Mesh
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Pink metallic mesh skirt ornamented with metal rings. 36FR size indicated. 2001 Summer collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condi...
PacoRabanne HauteCouture MadeInFrance HandPainted SilkChiffon PareoShawl, c1960s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Chicago, IL
While a revolutionary futurist fashion designer in the late 1960s, Paris-based Paco Rabanne (1934-2023) created for an haute-couture client this hand-painted silk chiffon shawl, whic...
Paco Rabanne F/W 2002 Piercing Wool Black Hooded Coat
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Paris, FR
Size Medium Made in France Shoulders : 53cm Chest : 55cm Sleeves : 66cm Length : 73cm
PACO RABANNE Silver Foil Grid Maxi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE striking sleeveless maxi dress featuring a silver foil-printed surface that creates a shimmering, metallic grid reminiscent of chain mail. The foil overlay is applied to...
Metallic mesh and lurex evening dress Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena (NEW)
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Metallic mesh (100% aluminium) and lurex ( 80% rayon, 15% polyester, 5% elasthane) evening dress. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. Split on the left side, lenght : 35cm. ...
Paco Rabanne coat winter 2002
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Long powder-pink jersey coat with a wide fox fur collar and matching sleeve bottoms. Top of the pockets edged with metal rings. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR/38FR....
Paco Rabanne Ombré Pink & Orange Cropped Top Size XL
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very Good. Hardly any visible wear to the top is evident on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. Details Multicolour- pink and orange ombré Cotton T-shir...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Metal Mesh Draped Backless Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver tone metal mesh backless top with draped front. Metal tag PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements taken laid flat : mesh rectangle width approx. 52 ...
Paco Rabanne Black Hooded Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Black hooded jacket with a silvery interior. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width...
Vintage Paco Rabanne S/S 2004 Translucent PVC Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Vintage Paco Rabanne Spring Summer 2004 PVC transparent mini dress. This iconic piece is constructed from translucent circular discs linked together with fine metal rings, it reflect...
Orange rayon jersey dress draped on the side with snap RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Orange rayon jersey dress draped on the side with snap. One snap closure on the top middle back. SIZE 36 / S
Paco Rabanne Gold Chainmail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Brossard, QC
Fabric straps that merge into sides and collar Lace-up sides Gold-tone snap button closure Cream laces and gold eyelets Unlined A-line skirt silhouette Heavyweight material Button-...
A paper Dress and adhesive tape by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne Paris - C. 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1967 France Gadget paper dress created in Roanne by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne. Sleeveless long dress applied with brown, yellow and gold fringed adhesive tape. Press stud tabs on the shoulders. Initially a single-use dress...
Paco Rabanne Rare Rhodoïd One-off Dress, Circa 1960/70s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - One-off dress, composed of rhodoïd chips and gauffered ribbons. Circa 1960/70s. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions:...
Paco Rabanne dress Summer 1997
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Short dress made of transparent, black, and white rhodoid pastilles tied with metal rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Brand name missing. 1997 Spring-Summ...
Paco Rabanne Metal Disc Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare Paco Rabanne Runway cocktail dress. Fit size 4 ** Dress weigh around 8lb
Paco Rabanne set Haute Couture Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Black silk crepe tuxedo set with a jacket and a dress, mesh made of métallic plastic elements linked with metallic rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR. 1994-1995 ...
Rabanne coat of mail top Spring 2024
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery coat of mail top with a hood. Size 36FR. 2024 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Julien Dossena. Condition: Very good condition Dimensi...
Paco Rabanne set Winter 2000
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Off-white calfskin set composed of a short skirt and of a jacket with openwork around the shoulder stitching, the elbows and chest. To be mentioned, t...
Paco Rabanne Floral Mock Neck Dress Size L
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very Good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. Details Multicolour Viscose Dress Floral pattern Long sle...
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
Paco Rabanne silvery skirt Fall 2013
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Pleated silvery mesh skirt. 2013 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Lydia Maurer. Size label missing, it fits a 36FR-38FR. Condit...