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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
2003 Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Rhinestone Logo Spell Out Bracelet
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Dolce & Gabbana cuff bracelet is set with clear and black rhinestones arranged to spell out the brand’s name. The bold crystal motif was notably worn by Lil’ Kim at a 2003 Dolce...
Chanel Byzantine Gilt Metal Bracelet with Glass Cabochons, 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal rigid bracelet with glass paste cabochons. Jewelry from the 1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very good conditi...
Gilt Metal
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, 7.9 inch-20cm long chain bracelet. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Tricolor Gold Herringbone Links Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Darnestown, MD
Herringbone links bracelet by Gucci in 18 karat yellow; pink and white gold. The links are slightly convex. It has a finely done clasp making the closure totally invisible when worn....
18k Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Rose Gold Link Chain Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold chain bracelet. Dimension: L 8.46 in - 21.5cm X W 0.51 in - 13 mm Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for the...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950's Weiss Iridescent Rhinestone Bracelet Fifties Jewellery Weiss
By Weiss
Located in Nashville, TN
This spectacular vintage 1950's Weiss rhinestone bracelet made up of large claw set round rhinestones interspersed with some claw set round rhinestones, on a silver toned metal base,...
Mixed Metal
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 3 Row Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning exemplar of mid-20th century jewelry artistry, this vintage bracelet from the 1940s-1950s era exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Masterfully crafted in rich 18k ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Miami Cuban Link 14k Solid Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a statement with this iconic Miami Cuban link bracelet, crafted from solid 14k gold. Featuring chunky 0.5-inch wide links, this vintage piece from the 1980s is a bold nod to classic luxury with serious edge. Weighing in at 32.65 grams, it's built to last a lifetime — and then some. Style it like a true fashion connoisseur: pair it with a graphic Gianni Versace top and Gucci pool slides...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 3 row Gentiane Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Gentiane Collection 18k Yellow Gold Rice link Bracelet, measuring 7 1/4 inches in length x 1/2 inch wide, weighing 25.8 Grams. Cartier signed and numbered. Comes ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Rainbow Sapphire Tzavorite Gemstone Handmade Bracelet 18 Karat Gold
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Aquamarine Rainbow Sapphire Tzavorite Gemstone Handmade Bracelet 18 Karat Gold This bracelet is handmade in yellow gold. I wanted to create...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Iolite, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Henry Dunay Gold Braided Bracelet
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Braided 18 karat gold bracelet by American designer, Henry Dunay. The bracelet is half an inch tall. When closed, the interior diameter is 2 1/8 inches. The bracelet has an ornamenta...
18k Gold, Gold
Italian Chunky Chain with Sapphire Clasp Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
An Italian design with a contemporary feel, this 18K yellow gold bracelet has rounded double links alternating with connecting links. The clasp is decorated with a round cabochon cut...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...