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 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 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
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
18k Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet Charm Numb 13 Bag of dollars Horseshoe Detachable
Located in Paris, FR
Charms bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold Double chain alternating with double chiseled circles retaining 3 groups of detachable charms, on each group: a number 13, a hand, a bag of 10...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Multi Chain 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Toggle Clasp
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
You can't go wrong with this beautifully crafted 18 carat yellow gold multi strand bracelet, by iconic luxury house, Tiffany&Co. It drapes smoothly around the wrist, almost like ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cuban Link 24 Karat Pure Yellow Gold Solid Bracelet, 65 Gm, Unisex , 8 INCH
Located in New York, NY
Hand Made 24 Karat Pure Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, 65 Gm, Length 8 Inch 8 Inches long bracelet Beautiful link design , A rare pure gold bracelet Weight of the bracelet is 65 Grams...
24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Georgian Cantanile Chain Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Triple Chain Bracelet 15ct Gold Circa 1850 Beautiful Georgian Gold Bracelet. Triple Fancy Link Chain Joined by a Gold Centre Square with Pretty Cantanile Detailing. In...
Gold, 15k Gold
Miami Cuban Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold Chain Link
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
You can't go wrong with a gold cuban chain link bracelet! This is a cuban-link style bracelet have links that twist into a cable-like design, which gi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Rose Gold Victorian Curb Link Bracelet with Heart Padlock Clasp, Circa 1900
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Curb Bracelet 15ct Rose Gold Stamped on Padlock Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning piece of Victorian elegance: a substantial 15ct rose gold curb link bracelet that exudes...
15k Gold, Rose Gold
9ct Gold Antique Victorian Heart Padlock Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bracelet will be your next go-to piece of jewelry in your collection! You will be reaching for this bracelet everyday whether it be getting ready for errands or a date-night. Th...
14k Gold
Bulgari B.Zero1 18k Gold & Black Ceramic Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Bulgari B.Zero1 18k Gold & Black Ceramic Bracelet is a striking representation of modern elegance and innovative design. Launched as part of Bulgari's iconic B.Zero1 collecti...
18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cuban Chain Men's Bracelet 8" - 14k Round 15.00ctw Bling
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 15.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K - L - M Clarity: VS2 - SI2 Total Carats: 15.00ctw Chain Style: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold 4 Stone Ruby Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A delicate and elegant 18ct yellow gold bracelet set with four natural rubies, with a total ruby weight of approximately 0.40ct. The rich red rubies are evenly spaced along the chain...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.84Carat Brilliant Cut Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Adjustable Chain Bracelet
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
This design will never go out of style. Extremely wearable day or evening. Wear alone or layer with our 14 karat rose gold brilliant cut cubic zirconia bracelet for a truly stunning...
Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Silver
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...