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 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...
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Diamond Snake Cuff Bracelet Ruby Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Ruby Victorian Style 14k Gold Plated Designer: J Dauphin The White Diamond Ruby Snake Bracelet is an open cuff bangle featuring a slender serpent m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Emerald Snake Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald and Diamond Snake Cuff Bracelet, 14k Gold Plated Serpent Bangle Designer J DAUPHIN This cuff is a serpent form in brass with 14k gold plating, wrapping the wrist as an open...
White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet Emerald Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Emerald Heart Bangle 14k Gold-Plated Black Enamel Size Small/ Medium A sculptural 14k gold-plated brass hinged bangle featuring a central heart-shaped natural emerald pai...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Diamond Bracelet Cuff Antique Diamond Setting Prongs Silver Open Bangle
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Cuff Bracelet Victorian Prong Setting Gold Plated Silver Detail Thin Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Diamond Cuff is a thin rigid open band in gold plated brass with silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Red Heart Cuff Bracelet Truth Faith Diamonds Gold Plated Enamel Heart
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Truth and Faith Heart Cuff Bracelet 14k Gold Plated Black and Red Enamel A sculptural 14k gold plated brass cuff featuring the words TRUTH and FAITH in raised lettering ag...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Gold Chain Cuff Bracelet Aquamarine Black Enamel 14K Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine Chain Cuff Bracelet 14k Gold Plated Brass Black Enamel Curb Link Open Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Aquamarine Chain Cuff is built in 14k gold plated brass as a rigid c...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$9,995
W 0.37 in Dm 2.29 in L 3.04 in
GIA Natural Jadeite Jade Pale Green & Brown Hinged Bangle 14K Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
GIA Natural Jadeite Jade Pale Green & Brown Hinged Bangle 14K Gold. Comes with GIA report #2235035266. A magnificent jade bangle with beautifully engraved hinge and clasp. The Jade has a very pleasant pale green with a brownish patch that creates a gorgeous contrast with the yellow gold hinge & clasp. The jade is translucent and has a beautiful natural look. The 14k yellow gold hinge and clasp are hand-engraved in botanical floral design. The clasp is equipped with a safety chain for added security. The inside diameter of the bangle is 58mm and would fit wrist size up to 53 mm. The bracelet is 9.37mm thick. The total weight is 55.9 grams. This is a vintage pre-owned Jade bangle in very good condition. Please ask any questions before bidding, serious buyers only please. Bracelet Specification: Style: Hinged jade Bangle...
Jade, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Black Enamel Cuff Bracelet White Diamond 14k Gold Plated Fleur de Lis J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fleur de Lis Cuff Bracelet Black Enamel White Diamond 14k Gold Plated Designer J DAUPHIN The Fleur de Lis Architectural Cuff is a symbolic sculptural piece by J DAUPHIN drawing in...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Snake Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Ruby J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond and Ruby Snake Bracelet – 14K Gold-Plated Brass, Victorian Style Designer: J Dauphin This handcrafted snake bracelet by J Dauphin is made in 14k gold-plated brass and...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Dove Cuff Bracelet Bleeding Heart Ruby Gold Plated Brass Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Ruby Dove Cuff Bracelet Gold Plated Brass and Sterling Silver Designer J DAUPHIN The Billet of Myself Cuff is a symbolic sculptural piece by J DAUPHIN featuring a pair of do...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
Statement Cuff Bracelet Virgin Mary 14k Gold Plate J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Virgin Mary Cuff Bracelet 14k Gold-Plated Brass J DAUPHIN This 14k gold-plated brass cuff by J DAUPHIN is a structural piece featuring a prominent, three-dimensional Virg...
Gold Plate, Brass
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 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...