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.
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
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...
PACO RABANNE Silver Grid Print Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE silver grid print mini dress. A captivating reflection of Paco Rabanne's pioneering vision, this vintage dress embodies the house's iconic exploration of light, movemen...
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...
Purple cocktail dress with gold metal chain RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple cocktail dress with gold metal chain. Main fabric composition: 100% polyester. Biais NEW WITH TAG SIZE 34
Couture Paco Rabanne Made In France Hand Painted Silk Chiffon Pareo Shawl 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 1996 Vintage DIY Mod Rhodoid Plastic Disk Dress Kit
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1996 Paco Rabanne "Do It Yourself" Mod Rhodoid Plastic Disk Dress Suitcase Kit. In the style of 60s disco, this vintage dress kit is a do it yourself dress. It is unassembled but co...
Paco Rabanne Black Halter Dress With Silver Spring Detail At Chest
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is pleased to present a Paco Rabanne black halter dress featuring a sculptural silver spring detail at the chest, an iconic fusion of sensual minimalism and futuristic d...
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 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 Gold Chain Link Cocktail Dress, Size 4-6
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 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 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 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...
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 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 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
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 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...
S/S 1987 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Runway Sheer Embroidered Ruffle Gown Custom
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...
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 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 2000s Women's Peek-a-Boo Metal Disc Cocktail Dress Size 4
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare Paco Rabanne Runway cocktail dress. Fit size 4 ** Dress weigh around 8lb
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...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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...
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....
PACO RABANNE Black Silk Jerset Dress with Rhinestone Detail Size 42
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Paco Rabanne dress is composed of a fine pleated silk jersey and features a center front rhinestone detail. There is a center back zipper closure, interior boning, and an attac...
F/W 2001 Paco Rabanne Runway Buckle Sheer Panel Black Bodycon Y2K Gown FR36
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black sleeveless gown designed for Paco Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2001 runway collection. This elegant form-fitting dress features a high neckline and a sheer mesh-...
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...
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. Addition...
Paco Rabanne Pink Ostrich Leather Skater Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Pink ostrich leather skater dress with pink and blue metal rings. No size or composition label, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 40 cm, Wa...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Logo Chainmail Metal Harness Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Logo Chainmail Metal Harness Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 13.18 inches (33.5 cm) Bust: 17.12 inches (43.5 cm) Waist: 15.35 inches (39 cm) Hips: 17.71 inches (45 cm) Length: 37 inches (94 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Iconic Paco...
1990s Paco Rabanne Off-White Stretch Satin Metal Ring Trim Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Paco Rabanne dress from the 1990s is cut in a sleeveless, straight sheath silhouette with a knee-length hem. It is crafted in off-white stretch satin with silver-tone metal ring...
Wrapped cocktail dress in black shiny rayon and side buttons Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wrapped cocktail dress in black shiny rayon and side button. SIZE 8 US