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.
Black sleeveless evening dress with jewellery print on PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black sleeveless evening dress with jewellery print on. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front . Tied on the back on a top of an invisi...
White slip cocktail dress with gold metal chain embellishment PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White slip cocktail dress with gold metal chain embellishment. Main fabric composition: 100% polyester. NEW WITH TAG SIZE 36/ S
Wool double-breasted Pea-coat with zebra print and oversize button PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool double-breasted Pea-coat with zebra print and oversize gold metal button closure on the middle front and on the cuffs. Main fabric composition: 99% wool, 1% silk. Branded rayon ...
PACO RABANNE black pink 2019 ROSE & LACE CHAINMAIL MIDI Dress 38 S
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Paco Rabanne cocktail dress in black, pink and green rose printed aluminium chainmail, exquisitely trimmed in black sheer lace polyester (60%) and nylon (40%). Feature...
PACO RABANNE black silver piercing ring detail gathered ribbed tank top IT38 XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE black silver piercing ring detail gathered hem ribbed tank top IT38 XS Reference: CYVN/A00046 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black, Silver Pattern: S...
Purple blazer PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple blazer with edge to edge closure with a metallic clasp. No fabric composition tag but probably polyester.Branded button and buttonhole on the cuffs. Pocket on both side + one ...
RABANNE silver black single grommet eyelet crew neck organic cotton tank top XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RABANNE silver black single grommet eyelet crew neck organic cotton ribbed tank top XS Reference: CYVN/A00047 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black, Silver Pattern...
Rabanne top by Paco Rabanne Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - 2001 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Top made of black silk and silvery metalic brass mesh. Size 38FR indicated....
Paco Rabanne dress by Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Winter 1983
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1983-1984 Collection, under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Runway prototype - Look 40. Pleated dress in black crepe jersey, decorat...
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...
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...
$1,872Sale 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 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 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
$580Sale 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 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 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:...
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...
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 ...
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 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 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 ...
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 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...
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 ...
PACO RABANNE Red and White Sleeveless Dress with Black Circular Appliqué
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE red and white sleeveless dress with black circular appliqué. This dress features : - Sleeveless red dress with white trim and central stripe. - Graphic black and clear ...
Paco Rabanne New Chain Mail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible metal mesh, chain mail dress in a beautiful red, blue and silver abstract print from Paco Rabanne. It is a sleeveless with a rounded ne...
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 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...
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 ...
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 ...
PACO RABANNE The Iconic silver metallic disc short sleeves paillettes top M
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE The Iconic silver metallic disc short sleeves paillettes top M Reference: CNLE/A00519 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Plastic, Brass Color: Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: ...
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%...
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...
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 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....
$385Sale Price|50% 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...
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...
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 Chartreuse Green Textured Top & Bell Bottom Pants 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is pleased to offer a vintage Paco Rabanne chartreuse green ensemble with tie back halter top and bell-bottom pants made of silk and embellished with layered vin...
Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Jeweled Necklace Caftan Dress Collectors, Museums
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one-of-a-kind Couture Paco Rabanne circa 1970's. Fashioned of black burnout silk velvet with colors of orange, yellow, gold, in a zebra pattern. The attached oversized long Sautoi...
Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Winter 1999
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Short rhodoid pastilles dress printed with black and white houndstooth pattern, and assembled with metallic rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Prototype fr...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A Paco Rabanne Couture Set in Yellow knitwear and Papier Fou- Spring Summer 1991
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1991 Collection. France Modernist ensemble from Paco Rabanne's Haute Couture show. Composed of a pair of Bermuda shorts, a tunic-dress made of stretchy ribbed knitwear ...
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-...
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 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 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 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....
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 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 circa 1979
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Woven silk muslin dress in navy-blue, white, and light-gray tones. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. A Collection circa 1979. Condition: Very good condition Di...
Grey coat with grey leather ribbons laced front and back Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne, Pierpaolo Piccioli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey coat with grey leather ribbons laced front and back. Fabric composition: main and lining 100% polyester. 3 pockets in the front. 2 splits in the back on the side. Shoulder pads...
Important & Rare Paco Rabanne Neon Coat Dress 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We are pleased to offer an important vintage Paco Rabanne neon pink, orange, and green leather coat dress featuring leather orange ties, silver-ton...
Black wool trouser pant suit with shiny plastic embellishment PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool trouser pant suit with shiny plastic embellishment . Lining composition: rayon and acetate. Shoulder pad. Hidden snap closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side on t...
Paco Rabanne clear plastic embroidered coat with incased black feathers, c. 1960
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
▪ Paco Rabanne clear plastic coat ▪ Black stitch embroidered pattern ▪ Incased black feathers ▪ Large buttons with velcro backing ▪ Two front patch pockets ▪ Size Medium ▪ c. 1960s