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.
Paco Rabanne Paris Futuristic Chrome and Enamel Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Paco Rabanne, Paris, designed this rare, geometric Space Age necklace. The fabulous piece was crafted in France. This unique, futuristic piece features black enamel m...
Enamel
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver-Tone Chainmail Necklace with Clear Glass Chips
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a silver-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. This chainmail necklace embodies the...
Vintage 1960s PACO RABANNE Space Age Humanoid Pendant Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1960s PACO RABANNE Space Age Humanoid Pendant Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Space age humanoid pendant in ivory-toned resin. - Chain necklace. - Gold t...
Paco Rabanne Pastille Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Necklace made of silvery metal pastilles, and black and transparent rhodoid pastilles. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: ...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Rhodoid and Metal Discs Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace featuring articulated silver tone metal discs embellished with black and clear rhodhoid disc cascade. Lobster clasp closure. ...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Electric Blue Bead & Silver Tone Metal Choker Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage choker necklace featuring four strands of electric blue facetted glass beads alterning with tubular silver tone elements. Lobster clasp closure. Marked PACO RA...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Bronze-Tone Chainmail Necklace with Clear Glass Chips
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a bronze-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. This chainmail necklace embodies the...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Ebony Wood, Horn Olives and Metal Disc Plastron Bib Necklac
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Ebony Wood, Horn Olives and Metal Disc Plastron Bib Necklace Measurements: Height: 11.81 inches (30 cm) Width: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic P...
Vintage Long PACO RABANNE Logo Snake Chain Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Long PACO RABANNE Logo Snake Chain Necklace Measurements: Logo Ring: 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cms) Wearable Length: 34 inches (86.36 cms) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE....
Vintage Massive PACO RABANNE Rock Crystal Square Mesh Pendant Long Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive PACO RABANNE Rock Crystal Square Mesh Pendant Long Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Massive square mesh pendant with rock crystal clustered at the...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Tone Modernist Chain Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver tone double chain necklace featuring two large 3-dimensional modernist square links. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measureme...
Paco Rabanne Golden Necklace Made of Articulated Plates
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Golden metal necklace made of articulated plates. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: from 52 cm to 55 cm Seller Reference: BC216
Paco Rabanne pendant necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal pendant necklace. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 70 cm - Pendant: 11 cm x 11 cm SKU:BC8
Vintage PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues Zodiac Discs Layered Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues Zodiac Discs Layered Necklace Measurements: Length: 14.76 inches (37.5 cm) Zodiac Discs: 0.94 inch (2.4 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues. - Double layered necklace...
Silver Sautoir with Wood Beads by Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in PARIS, FR
This long necklace is a creation by Paco Rabanne. This long necklace is composed of oversized dark wood beads, joined by a silver-toned fine chain. There is no clasp for this necklac...
Base Metal
Paco Rabanne Silvery Necklace with Rhinestones
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Dark-silvery metal necklace with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 40 cm to 44 cm Seller Reference: BC167
Vintage PACO RABANNE Gold Black Cube Letter Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Gold Black Cube Letter Necklace Measurements: Height: 0.59 inch (1.5 cm) Wearable Length: 14.96 inches (38 cm) Adjustable Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABAN...
Unavailable|$1,445
L 16 in
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Strands Wire Cable Contemporary Necklace 16 inches Long
Located in Washington, DC
This beautiful textured multi strand wire cable necklace is made from 18 Karat Yellow Gold wire cable. It has 3 strands and is 16" long. This necklace transforms your pendants and gi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp Fashionable yellow gold necklace with 15 gold tassels that adjust to wanted length. Made in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,585
Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
14k yellow gold chocolate baroque pearl necklace 42 inch in length. This gold pearl necklace is accompanied by a retail appraisal performed ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Smooth Blue Topaz and Green Prehnite Double Cabochon 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fine 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with smooth Double Cabochon Blue Topaz and Green Prehnite. Length: 18 Inches, Weight: 170 carats, 750 Stamped.
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carnelian Bead Knotted String Triple Strand Necklace, 14 Karat Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
A bold and bright triple strand necklace! Features three strands of 10mm carnelian beads, connected to a single strand with a vermeil cubic zirconia-accented connector. The clasp its...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Pink Tourmaline Pendant '5 Ct', 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Pink Tourmaline pendant weighing 5.14 cts. Total Weight: 2.6 Grams. Comes with 16" Sterling Silver Gold Plated Chain.
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ladybug Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Chain Length: 16" Pendant Measurements: 11 mm x 10 mm Diamond Carat Weight: 0.05 carats Stamped: "14...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Single Large Pearl Omega Chain Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 7.8 Grams Necklace Length: 17" Pearl Type: Cultured Pearl Bead Diameter : 13.5 mm Stamped: "14KT" "Indonesia...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Hearts Drop Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Style: Diamond Heart Drop Necklace Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 19.2 Grams Chain Length: 17" Pe...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace 19.61 Carat t.w.
Located in New York, NY
Surround yourself with glamour and dazzle with this magnificent Pave Diamond Chain Link Necklace, boasting 19.61 carats of sparkling diamond brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.59 Carat Citrine and Diamond Two-Tone Pendant in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Citrine, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Go...
Collier multifilo con tanzaniti sfaccettate e labradorite
Located in BARI, IT
Collier multifilo a gradazione realizzato con sferette sfaccettate di labradorite e goccine di tanzanite sfaccettate. La chiusura è realizzata in bachelite. Il suo punto di forza è i...
Labradorite, Tanzanite
PACO RABANNE Silver Tone Chainmail Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a silver-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. Lobster clasp. Adjustable length. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicat...
Paco Rabanne Mesh Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Long golden and silvery metal necklace holding a tiny mesh bag. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 65 cm Seller Reference: BC136
Paco Rabanne Black Leather and Silver Metal Choker Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Chocker necklace in black leather and silver metal like a belt. Size M. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 32 cm / 34 cm / 37 ...
Silver
Paco Rabanne Short Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Attributed to) Short necklace made of cabochons, resin and glass paste beads. Not signed. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 38 cm...
Paco Rabanne Golden Two-row Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Golden metal two-row necklace with openwork medallions representing star signs. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: L...
Paco Rabanne Style Massive Futuristic Drapery Link Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous French necklace is a killer piece. The sculptural bib drapery shape boasts inter-connecting geometric gilt metal links. This extra-long futuristic design has an around-...
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne Silvery Metal Necklace, 2000s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal necklace with transparent pearls. Jewelry from the beginning of the 2000s. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: fr...
Paco Rabanne Ethnic Silver Plated and Brown Seeds Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Necklace composed of silver plated and brown seeds. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 108 cm (42.51") Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BC1308
Silver Plate
Paco Rabanne Vintage Silver Mesh Metal Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned mesh metal necklace. Silver tone metal hardware. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative me...
Paco Rabanne by Maison Desrues Vintage 1990s Zodiac Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage matte gold toned double strand necklace featuring the 12 zodiac signs. Created in the ateliers of the MAISON DESRUES in the 1990s....
Paco Rabanne Vintage Silver Mesh Metal Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned mesh metal necklace. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : length approx. 40...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Rhodoid and Metal Discs Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace featuring articulated silver toned metal discs embellished with black and clear rhodhoid disc cascade. Lobster clasp closure. Extension chain. Marked ...