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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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
Curata Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 14k Stamped Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 44.6 grams Measurement: 47mm (2") wide - Adjustable Certificate of Authenticity Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold 47mm Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a piece of jewelry made from 14-karat yellow gold that has been polished to a high shine. The cuff bangle style means that it is open and can be slipped onto the wrist, making it easy to wear. The bracelet is 47mm wide, which is just under 2 inches, and it has a substantial feel to it. This type of bracelet is often considered a statement piece, as it is quite bold and eye-catching. It can be worn on its own or paired with other bracelets or bangles for a stacked look. The high-polish finish gives it a luxurious look and the Italian craftsmanship is known for its attention to detail and quality. Solid gold jewelry...
Yellow Gold
$1,730
Chanel bracelet 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Gold-tone metal bracelet with chain links holding openwork flowers at the center. Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 1992 collection under the artistic direction of ...
Gilt Metal
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold Signed: Tiffany Schlumberger Creator/Ma...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Silver Pebble Bracelet by Alice Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pebble Bracelet Silver Hand Repoussé Toggle Clasp Unclasped: 8.5”L x 2”D x .5”H Designed by Alice Kuo Made in Los Angeles Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. R...
Silver
Oscar Heyman 30 Carat Diamond Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular Oscar Heyman diamond bangle bracelet Circa 1970, finely crafted by hand in platinum, featuring 170 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 30 carats total, E ...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond and Enamel Snake Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Diamond and Enamel Snake Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold featuring 56 round brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of .60 carats, Metal Type: 18Kt Yellow Gold Metal W...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$995 / set
Dual Sterling Silver Cuffs by Dylan Chiago
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Dual sterling silver cuffs by talented Pima silversmith Dylan Chiago. The upper arm cuff has coral, turquoise and opal embellishments. The lower arm ban...
$1,695
H 2 in W 3 in D 2.25 in L 3 in
Vintage Frank Vigneri Plexiglass Chartreuse and Black Sculptural Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
The juxtaposition of embedded chartreuse resin that looks like foil against black plexiglass becomes almost 3 dimensional. This sculptural one of a kind cuff is signed vintage Vigner...
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Ornate Crossover Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of the David Webb Vintage Crossover Cuff Bracelet, a true testament to luxury and timeless design. This beautiful bracelet is crafted in a harmon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Hermès Bracelet ou Pendentif Isthme L Green Leather Bangle or Pendant Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Isthme bracelet (or pendant?) in sage green leather, 2007, in mint condition. Interior dimensions 7.4 x 6 cm, exterior dimensions 11.2 x 9.4 cm, t...
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Infinity Link Toggle Bracelet
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
This striking sterling silver bracelet by Georg Jensen, uses over-sized organically shaped links to dramatic effect. The abstract shapes are in fact based on the mathematical symbol ...
Sterling Silver
$586
W 0.87 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Hoop Interlocked Double G Link Chunky Gold Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Large Hoop Interlocked Double G Link Curb Chunky Statement Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches, barely no...
Gold Plate
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Tone Diabolo Link Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver tone diabolo link bracelet. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : length approx. 20 cm (7.87 inches) / width approx. 4.1 cm (1.61 inches). M...
Paco Rabanne Paris White Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely Paco Rabanne Paris signed bangle bracelet. Oversized cuff design in shiny white acrylic or Lucite with carved and see-thru "R" logo. Signed on the side: "Paco Rabanne." Measur...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Rhodoid and Metal Discs Cuff Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned multi chain cuff bracelet embellished with black/iridescent rhodhoid and metal discs cascades. Embossed PACO RABANNE on both hilts. Indicative mea...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Hand Mesh Ring
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned hand mesh ring. Snap button closure. Embossed PACO - PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : max. width appro...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Metal Mesh Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned metal mesh necklace and bracelet set. T-bar closure. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. NECKLACE indicative measurements : length approx. 43 cm (16.93 in...
PACO RABANNE Bracelet in Silver Plated Metal Rings and Transparent Pendants
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Paris, FR
PACO RABANNE bracelet with silver plated metal rings and transparent pendants. T-clasp. Never worn. Delivered in its PACO RABANNE dustbag
Base Metal
Paco Rabanne Vintage Rare Jewelled Cuff Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage rage silver toned cuff bracelet featuring five large Aurora Borealis crystal balls. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements : inner circumference ap...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Space Age Cuff Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage gold toned Space Age cuff bracelet featuring articulated square links with geometric design. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative me...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Wide Disco Bracelet Cuff
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned wide Disco bracelet cuff featuring a chainmail grid design application on a rigid base. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : inner cir...