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.
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
$9,275
W 0.5 in L 6.25 in
Marina B. 2000's Amethyst Pearl Citrine 18K Yellow Gold Cardan Bead Bracelet
By Marina B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy chain with arch motif gemstone bead stations Comprised of 10.0 mm round amethysts and 7.0 mm round citrines Transparent medium purple and yellow in color, respect...
Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$65,250Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $145, 000 18kt Gold Glittering Fancy Large Green Emerald Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Pair of Rare 18KT Gold Emerald Diamond Bracelet. Bracelet is comprised of Finely Set Gorgeous Glittering Emeralds and Diamonds!!! T.C.W. Appr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate 18k White Diamond Wide Flexible Cocktail Bracelet 23.10cttw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Now this bracelet is absolutely stunning! It has been hand crafted in 18K white gold with each stone individually set and linked in such a way that it moves on the wrist the way wat...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
$5,800
W 1.5 in D 1.5 in Dm 2.5 in L 6.5 in
Antique GiltSilverFiligree FauxEmeraldChrysoberylPearl Gold Link&Chain Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Possibly as old as the 1800s or a later Baroque-revival imperceptible reproduction, this antique handcrafted gold gilt-silver vermeil filigree-frame textured-chain link bracelet likely originated in the European region of Austria-Hungary-Germany. We partly base this on its brilliant blue-green glass jewels in the rare trace-mineral saturated color of authentic alkaline Columbian emeralds. Including a decorative box-clasp, the ornate bracelet also features 14 prong-set round white pearls mostly mounted on the open-work filigree and 6 marquise-cut vanadium chrysoberyl...
Emerald, Pearl, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Zircon, Gold, Gilt Metal, Silver
Christian Dior Black Satin “Dior” Bracelet
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Christian Dior Black satin “Dior” chain bracelet featuring silver-tone Dior, a black satin bracelet and a CD claps closure. Circa 2000s. In good vintage condition. Made in France. M...
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet with Charms
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage sterling silver multi-strand chain bracelet, adorned with multicolored stones, iridescent beads, and a stylized heart charm. Embossed CHRISTIAN LACROIX on ...
Sterling Silver
24 Karat Pure Gold Hand Made Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 8 Gm, 16 Inch
Located in New York, NY
24 Karat Pure Gold Hand Made Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 8 Gm, 16 Inch Simple Chain design , A rare pure gold Necklace Weight of the Necklace is 8 Grams . Stamped 9999 S shape hoo...
24k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Ionic Bracelet
Located in London, GB
The Ionic Bracelet in 22K Gold Vermeil on Sterling Silver is inspired by The Temple of Athena Nike in Greece, an Ionic tetrastyle column temple built around 420 BC that is well-known...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Men's Solid 14k Yellow and White Gold 28 Grams 6mm Heavy Masculine Bracelet
Located in Vernon Hills, IL
This stunning men's bracelet is made of solid 14k yellow/white gold. The bracelet weighs 28 grams and measures 8". The piece features a durable lobster clasp. #Bd-3302
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
L 7.5 in
Tiffany & Co Estate Rope Chain Bracelet 7.5" Sterling Silver 4.9 Grams
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Rope Chain Bracelet 7.5" Sterling Silver 4.9 Grams TIF803 The Tiffany & Co. Bracelet is a classic and timeless piece crafted from sterling sil...
Sterling Silver
$967 / item
W 0.71 in L 8.08 in
Antique Art Deco Ruby Paste Filigree Gold Vermeil Cocktail Bracelet 1920s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An Art Deco ruby paste bracelet. Sterling silver filigree work embellished with gold vermeil pieces for a luxurious finish. The opulence of the pink paste stone creating a breathtaki...
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...