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 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 Silvered Metal Link Bracelet with Quartz Stones
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
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...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Statement Sculptural Gold Plated Chain Logo Cuff 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 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 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 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 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 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
Chanel Haute Couture Bracelet Cuff glass camelia, fancy pearls and diamonds
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel cuff bracelet in gold metal covered with brown enamel decorated with a large CC in enameled metal on one side and a large floral pattern in glass paste decorated with white rh...
Cartier Love Sapphire Rose Gold Slide Mauve Crocodile Strap Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier bracelet from the iconic Love collection features a slide bar crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a round purple-pink sapphire, completed with a mauve...
Sapphire, Rose Gold
Vintage Southwestern Sterling Tufa Cast Turquoise Cuff Bracelet 7"
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, vintage tufa cast cuff bracelet is sterling silver. It features a 17x25mm turquoise gemstone, a geometric design on the outside and a pueblo-landscape design on the i...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations Amethyst White Diamond Fine Silver Palladium Bangle Bracelet
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations all handmade artisan bangle bracelet from Ammos Collection crafted from Fine Silver in Greece. This adjustable bracelet features 1.75 Carat oval cut Amethyst...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gianfranco Ferré Cuff Bracelet in Golden Metal
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Gianfranco Ferré - (Made in Italy) Bracelet in golden metal with an impressive blue rhinestone on top. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 17 ...
1950s Old Pawn Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff Bracelet
Located in Wallkill, NY
Old Pawn Sterling Silver Bracelet. The craftsmanship is outstanding. Large Turquoise stone set in sterling. Large Bubble circles flanking the stone Cuff measures- 1 in wide 1.25 in ...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
$725
H 2 in W 2 in D 0.25 in Dm 3 in L 7 in
Vintage Resin Wide Diamante Faux Coral Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Resin Wide Diamante Faux Coral Cuff Circa 1990s. Features a design resembling a large flower, sun, or similar motif with a raised faux coral piece ...
Mixed Metal
David Yurman Cable Garnet Sterling Silver & 14k Gold 7mm Bangle Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Cable Bangle Bracelet Material: Sterling silver and 14k yellow gold Hallmarks: D. Yurman 585 925 Gemstones: Natural garnet Design: Signature twisted c...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Twisted Rope Bracelet 14kt
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elegant Tiffany & Co. twisted rope bracelet crafted in 14kt yellow gold. This vintage piece features a classic 7mm twisted design and measures 8 inches in length, weighing 29.1 g...
14k Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Oval Link Bracelet - VHK#335A
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Oval Link Bracelet - VHK#335A Item Details Year: 2000s Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 16.15 grams (All Items Total)...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Byzantine Cuffs
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of Chanel Byzantine style cuffs with ruby pate de verre stones by Gripoix. Cuffs are set in Antiqued gold finish with twisted wire bezels around each sugar loaf stone...
Gilt Metal
$12,750
Chanel Moghul Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Chanel Moghul style cuff bracelet of ruby and emerald poured glass round and oval cabochons and strung with faux pearl beads. height 1.5". Si...
Gilt Metal, Bronze
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...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Disco Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Disco Mesh Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2.75 inches (7 cm) Length: 6.53 inches (16.6 cm) including opening Feature...
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 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...