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.
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...
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 jacket Haute Couture Summer 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Iridescent off-white woolen jacket embroidered with red dotted cream-color sequins. Coral-color ottoman belt enhanced with a pearled buckle. No size i...
PACO RABANNE Size 34 Tan Corduroy Cotton Peak Lapel Sport Coat
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE sport coat in a tan cotton corduroy fabric featuring a peak lapel, single vented back, and double button closure.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: IT 44 Measu...
Paco Rabanne, France 2000 Silver Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Sharon, CT
Black on grayish silver 'Persian' Design. Padded shoulders. Black rectangular plastic buttons. EU 40-42 approx.
PACO RABANNE pink purple lurex virgin wool graphic knit vest XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE pink purple lurex virgin wool graphic knit vest XS Reference: AAWC/A00457 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Virgin Wool, Blend Color: Pink, Purple Pattern: Graphic Closure: ...
Navy blue wool double-breasted blazer with gold lurex top stiching Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue wool double-breasted blazer with gold lurex top-stitching on the arms
$4,545
Paco Rabanne jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Black blended wool jacket, shoulders and sleeve bottoms decorated with black Rhodoid pastilles and openwork silvery metal. No size indicated, it fits ...
Vintage PACO RABANNE PARIS Space Age Metal Embellish Pocket Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE PARIS Space Age Metal Embellish Pocket Jacket Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust and waist: Shoulder: 15.35 inc...
Geoffrey Beene For Teal Traina 1960s Silk Ivory + Silver Sequin Cropped Jacket
By Geoffrey Beene, Teal Traina
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage TEAL TRAINA by GEOFFREY BEENE early 60s silk Ivory ribbon and silver sequined cropped swing jacket! Beene was the head designer for Traina from 1958-1963, before startin...
$1,500
H 51 in W 20 in D 0.05 in
Gold Brocade Gentleman Indian Wedding or Party Maharaja Sultan Tuxedo Coat
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A luxurious couture embroidered silk brocade wedding or party Maharaja, Sultan, gentlemen tuxedo coat. Handcrafted and embroidered with colored stones and sequins and patch border wo...
CHANEL raspberry pink wool 2018 CROPPE RAGLAN Jacket 36 XXS
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2018 cropped wool jacket in raspberry pink wool (67%) and cotton (33%). Comes with raglan sleeves (measurements taken from the neck) and two faux flap pockets o...
F/W 2019 Versace Runway Vittoria Printed Silk Multicolor Blazer
By Versace
Located in Concord, NC
This spectacular Versace multicolored “Vittoria” silk blazer features shoulder pads, long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, & three front pockets As seen on the Fall Winter 2019 runway Gold t...
Ralph Lauren Silver Leather Motorcycle Jacket
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ralph Lauren Collection Belted moto jacket Silver metallic coated goatskin leather Silver metallic coated leather belt Off-Center bronze zipper closure Two zippered pockets One sn...
Thierry Mugler x H&M Black Leather Cropped Jacket with Scarf - 2023
By Thierry Mugler
Located in London, GB
Thierry Mugler x H&M Black Leather Cropped Jacket with Scarf, 2023 This Thierry Mugler x H&M black leather cropped jacket with built-in scarf (2023) is a rare and collectible piece from the global capsule collection designed under Casey Cadwallader. Referencing Mugler’s legendary 1990s leather tailoring, this collaboration jacket reinterprets archival Mugler silhouettes in soft chrome-free leather, balancing sculptural form with modern wearability. Featuring a built-in wide scarf, hourglass waist shaping, logo-engraved buttons, and a diagonal front zipper with concealed snap, the jacket embodies Mugler’s iconic power-dressing aesthetic. Fully lined in cupro, this piece captures the spirit of archival Mugler tailoring in a limited-edition designer collaboration. DETAILS Designer: Thierry Mugler x H&M (Casey Cadwallader for Mugler) Collection Reference: Mugler H&M Capsule Collection, Spring 2023 Material: Shell: 100% Chrome-free Leather; Lining: 100% Cupro Colour: Black Silhouette: Cropped jacket with built-in scarf; sculptural hourglass waist Marked Size: EU Small / US Small Condition: Unworn condition - press sample MEASUREMENTS (LAID FLAT & closed and at rest unless otherwise noted) Bust(across underarm to underarm): 44 cm / 17.3 in ( to fit bust 88cm /34.6 inc) Shoulder to Hem: 47 cm / 18.5 in (at front - shortest measurement) 57 cm / 22.4 in (at back - longest measurement) Waist (across): 38 cm / 14.9 in (to fit waist 76cm / 29.9 in) Sleeve length: 60 cm / 23.6 in Width of attached leather scarf: 32 cm /. 12.5 in Length of attached leather scarf: 130 cm / 51.1 in PROVENANCE & STYLE NOTES This jacket recalls archival Thierry Mugler leather...
Moschino Cheap & Chic Vintage Fruit Polka Dot Jacket as seen on The Nanny
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Concord, NC
Highly collectable and iconic 1990's Moschino Cheap & Chic polka dot fruit appliqué jacket as seen on Fran Dresher in The Nanny. This jacket features a whimsical design with whit...
Vintage Escada Margaretha Ley Black and White ' Piano ' Dress Removable Collar
By Margaretha Ley, Escada
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional vintage ESCADA by MARGARETHA LEY black and white 'piano key' dress or jacket, with removable collar! Black bodycon dress with white embroi...
Exquisite Silver Glass Beaded Sheer Vest c 1970s
Located in University City, MO
Exquisite silver glass beaded sheer vest c 1970s The elegant sheer black vest is embellished with sinuous trails of silver glass bugle beads Framed with wide rows of contiguous si...
$2,365
Size: Small - Medium
Bill Blass 1960s Vintage Silk Metallic 60s Mink Trimmed Dress Jacket Swing Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage 1960s BILL BLASS metallic silk A-Line dress or jacket! Features fabulous abstract prints in warm hues of gold, brown, silver, and bronze throughout. Soft brown mi...
$6,924
Size: IT 44 - FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Alexander McQueen black double-breasted blazer mini dress with cut-out, ss 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen black blazer mini dress ▪ Double-breasted ▪ Nude nylon mesh cut-out panel ▪ Peak lapels ▪ 2 front flap pockets ▪ ...
Chanel Spring 2001 beige jacket
Located in Eivissa, ES
Chanel Beige Cropped Wool Jacket with Black Trim – Spring 2001 An elegant cropped jacket from Chanel’s Spring 2001 collection, embodying the refined and modern aesthetic of the earl...
Metallic gold pleated jacket with zip closure in the middle front Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Metallic Gold pleated jacket with zip closure in the middle front. Fabric composition: 99% polyester, 1% elasthane. SIZE M
PACO RABANNE Size 38 Silver Shimmer Viscose Bomber Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE bomber jacket in a shimmery silver tone viscose fabric featuring two hidden slip pockets, and zip up closure. Made in Portugal.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor mark...
Paco Rabanne Black Wool Tassel Detail Blazer Size M
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the jacket is evident. Discolouration on the front left, front right, both lapels and left sleeve. Plucks to the weave on the left side of the...
Rabanne Silvery Metallic Mesh Jacket, 2023
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metallic mesh jacket. Size 36FR indicated. 2023 circa Collection, under the direction of Julien Dossena. Additional information: Condition: Very good conditio...
Rabanne Black Lurex Threads Jacket for men
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Black lurex threads jacket with a black white striped lining. No size indicated, it fits a 40FR Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Sho...
Paco Rabanne Black Velvet Faux Pearl Blazer Size XXL
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to Blazer is evident. Minimal wear to inner lining near the left armhole on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. Details Black Velve...
PACO RABANNE pink purple lurex virgin wool graphic knit vest XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE pink purple lurex virgin wool graphic knit vest XS Reference: AAWC/A00457 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Virgin Wool, Blend Color: Pink, Purple Pattern: Graphic Closure: ...
Paco Rabanne Silk and Metal Jacket with Bangs
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silk and metal jacket with bangs. No size label, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 40 cm, Chest: 41 cm, Sleeve length: 67 cm Condit...
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Size: Equivalent size 36 France
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 ...
PACO RABANNE Size M Silver Cotton / Polyurethane Metallic Bomber Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE jacket comes in a silver metallic cotton / polyurethane featuring a bomber style, ribbed hen, cut out detail, slit pockets, and a full zip up closure. Made in Portugal. ...
PACO RABANNE Size L Black Nylon Full Zip Drawstring Hooded Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE jacket comes in a black nylon featuring a windbreaker style, hooded, zipper pockets, fitted cuffs, drawstring, and a full zip up closure. New With Tags. Marked: L Me...
Navy blue wool double-breasted blazer with gold lurex top stiching Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue wool double-breasted blazer with gold lurex top-stitching on the arms