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 Silver Metal Mesh Chainmaille Purse Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Silver-toned metal chain maille cross body / shoulder bag or necklace with magnetic frame clasp signed Paco Rabanne. Purse measures 6.25" by 3.5" and has a 21.5" single metal chain s...
Base Metal
Paco Rabanne Shoulder-Duster Gunmetal Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Paco Rabanne Paris futuristic clip-on earrings feature an oversized shoulder-duster dangling drop shape with gunmetal framing, topped with resin cabochons and beads in b...
Vintage Paco Rabanne Signed Geometric Gold Plated Modernist Brass Earrings 60's
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous and amazing signed vintage French Paco Rabanne modernist dangle sculptural earrings are so au courant now as they were then in the 60's. The geometric cutout forms and...
Gold Plate, Brass
Paco Rabanne Black and White Resin and Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paco Rabanne Paris Futuristic Clip-on Earrings – Rare Avant-Garde Statement Pieces Elevate your private collection with these exceptional clip-on earrings from Paco Rabanne Paris, a ...
Paco Rabanne Futuristic Chrome Metal Cuff Bracelet Bangle Fall 2014 Collection
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional couture bracelet was created by Paco Rabanne for its ready-to-wear fall 2014 runway show. The futuristic cuff design boasts a substantial silvered metal shape with a geometric design. The piece is signed on the inside with Paco Rabanne's iconic signature, confirming its authenticity and provenance. Please check the last pictures for reference. The bracelet is in excellent condition, with minor wear to the metal, which does not significantly affect its overall appearance. Dimensions: inside across is 2.50 in wide by 1.44 in. deep (6.3 by 3.7 cm) - largest width is 1.69 in wide (4.2 cm) - Opening is 1.19 in wide (3 cm) - Inner circumference is 5.94 in long (15 cm) - The bracelet is best suited for a Small to Medium size wrist with a 6.5 to 7 in circumference (16.5 to 18 cm). Note: Paco Rabanne Fall 2014 Collection For his sophomore collection for Paco Rabanne, Julien Dossena evolved his vision of athletic-meets-evening with outfits that blended references to martial arts with sleek tailoring. Crisp blue shirts, some with micro pinstripes, were shown with a chic take on body armor — poplin vests...
Paco Rabanne Logo Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Charming Paco Rabanne logo earrings with the designers logo scattered randomly over gilded clip demi hoops. A subtler version of 80's logo jewelry. Exce...
Gilt Metal
PACO RABANNE Wide Silver Tone Disco Bracelet Cuff
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE wide silver tone Disco bracelet cuff featuring a chainmail grid design application on a rigid base. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : inner measurements...
Paco Rabanne Paris Silvered Modernist Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paco Rabanne Paris designed these futuristic metal clip-on earrings in the 1990s. The design boasts a silver plate "comma" shape, slightly hammered with carving and see-through. The ...
Silver Plate
Paco Rabanne Quilted Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Paco Rabanne 2 tone "quilted" effect clip earring. Very attractive and dimensional. Gilt and patinaed silver loafs alternating.
Excellent condition.
Paco Rabanne Chainmail Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a bronze-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. Lobster clasp. Adjustable length. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicat...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Gold Tone Ball Charm Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage gold tone link bracelet featuring ball charms. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : length approx. 18.5 cm (7.28 inches) / max. width approx. 2 cm ...
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 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...
$1,205
Paco Rabanne earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal clip-on earrings made of articulated pastilles. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 13 cm SKU:BO427
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 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 earrings Haute Couture 1980
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Red rhodoid pastille earrings with black pearls and metallic rings. Not signed Haute Couture jewelry, circa 1980 Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 6...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Antiqued Silver Toned Tubular Charms Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage antiqued silver toned dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring tubular charms embellished with white glass beads topped with a la...
Paco Rabanne earrings Summer 1991
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal geometrical-shape earrings. Not signed jewelry from a fashion show. 1991 Spring-Summer Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 1...
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 Wide Silver Toned Disco Bracelet Cuff
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE wide silver toned Disco bracelet cuff featuring a chainmail grid design application on a rigid base. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : inner measurement...
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture circa 1965/67
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Plastic clip-on earrings wuth rhodoid, pearls, and silvery metal. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1965/1967. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 10 cm SK...
1970s Paco Rabanne Frosted Glass Gilt Metal Pendant Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare 1970's Paco Rabanne clip on earrings. Gold tone metal with ribbed frosted glass button at top. The earrings drop down into a mobile-like pendant featuring dropped small chain li...
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne Bracelet with Pastilles
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Bracelet in silvery metal with black and white pastilles in celluloid. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 17 cm Seller Reference: ...
Paco Rabanne Articulated Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Soft silver-plated bracelet with glass beads. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 20 cm (7.87 in) Width: 6 cm (2.36 in) Condition: Very good condition Seller...
Silver Plate
Paco Rabanne Gilded Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Clip-on earrings in gilded metal. Additional information: Dimensions: 3.5 L cm (1.37" L) Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO222
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne earrings 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings with black resin. Not signed jewelry - 1990 fall-winter collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length:...
Paco Rabanne earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Long silvery metal clip-on earrings with three triangles. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 11 cm SKU:BO23
Paco Rabanne silvery earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal clip-on earrings with iridescent cabochons. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 12 cm SKU:BO34
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Golden plastic clip-on earrings with black pearls and assembled with metallic rings. Not signed prototype from a fashion show. 1994-1995 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Coll...
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Clip-on earrings made of pink, silvery, and purple plastic material assembled with metallic rings. Not signed prototype from fashion show. 1994/1995 Fall-Winter Haute ...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Creased Metal and Resin Cabochon Chandelier Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage chandelier earrings (clip-on) featuring creased antiqued diamond shaped metal embellished with iridescent resin caboch...
Paco Rabanne Silvered Metal and Quartz Link Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Paco Rabanne Paris futuristic link bracelet features a massive silver-tone chainmail grid ornate with dangle transparent quartz chips. The rare bracelet closes with a l...
Quartz
Vintage Paco Rabanne Statement Sculptural Gold Chain Logo Cuff Bracelet 1970s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Paco Rabanne Bracelet oozing the bold metallic sculptural style now so iconic of this cutting edge Parisian Fashin House. Featuring triple ornate chains in a chain mail for...
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 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
Paco Rabanne clip-on earrings Haute Couture Summer 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Clip-on earrings made of interlaced silvery metal rings. Not signed prototype from a fashion show. 1990 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good c...
Paco Rabanne silvery bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Articulated silvery metal bracelet. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 21 cm - Width: 4 cm SKU:BRA127
Paco Rabanne 2010s Multi-String Black Beaded Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Designer Background: Paco Rabanne, a pioneering force in avant-garde fashion, is renowned for his unconventional use of industrial materials and futuristic aesthetics. Known for crea...
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
Paco Rabanne Clip-on Earrings with Pearls and Transparent Rings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal clip-on earrings decorated with pearls and transparent rings. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 17.5 cm Seller...
Paco Rabanne Three-Fingers Ring in Silver-Plate Paved with Rhinestones
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Three-fingers ring in silver-plate paved with rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: Ornament: 8 W x 4 H cm (3.15" W x 1.57" H) Ring: 2 cm x 6 cm (0.78" x...
Silver Plate
Paco Rabanne Earrings with Green Resin Pearls
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Long golden metal earrings with green resin pearls. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 8.5 cm Seller Reference: BO6