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 Multi Circle Silver Brooch
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Multi Circle Silver Brooch Measurements: Height: 2.28 inches (5.8 cm) Width: 2.28 inches (5.8 cm) Features: - 100% Authenti...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Logo Pearl Stick Pin Brooch
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Logo Pearl Stick Pin Brooch Measurements: Height: 2.36 inches (6 cm) Width: 0.94 inch (2.4 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABBANE...
Unique Pearl Starburst Pin Brooch In 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This pearl pin is made of 14K yellow gold and weighs 4.30 DWT (approx. 6.69 grams). It contains 17 round pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.60 Carat Emerald And Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
Striking vintage style brooch from our special Haruni atelier holding a 8.60 carat emerald at its centre set in yellow gold, surrounded by 108 del...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$1,125Sale Price / item|25% Off
18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Style Pin Diamond and Sapphire
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic art deco style pin with beautiful blue sapphire and round cut diamond crafted in 18K white gold. Specifications: main stone: round diamond additional: blue sapphire ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,295Sale Price / item|29% Off
14 Karat Gold Waving "American Flag" Pin with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold Waving "American Flag" pin with diamonds, rubies and sapphires Product Details Metal: 14K WHITE GOLD Measurements : Width: 18.8MM Height: 15.8m...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Imperial Green Jade and Diamond Cross Pendant by Dilys'
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Giving the traditional cross symbol an oriental reincarnation, the House of Dilys' is proud to present this sensational 18K White Gold pendant, adorned with 17 Imperial Green Jade...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Liberty Enamel Diamond Gold Jacket Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a greek theatrical mask with green enamel elements, set at the border with rose cut diamonds, inscribed at the back "A Ettore Romagnoli" and dated Marzo 1913 Ettore Romag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
$3,563Sale Price / item|24% Off
Vintage 14 Karat "Topogigio" Mouse Diamond Brooch
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: ROUND CUT DIAMONDS carat total weight: APPROX 0.30CTW color: G clarity: VS brand: custom metal: 14K YELLOW gold type: PIN/BR...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,386
H 2.16 in W 1.18 in
Pendant Brooch Gold 585 Three Turquoises Biedermeier Period Vienna circa 1850
Located in Vienna, AT
Very interesting pendant / brooch made during Viennese Late Biedermeier Period: It is of rhombic as well as of stylized form type to which three turquoises are attached to middle ar...
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond and Emerald Cockatiel Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Bird Motif pin in 18k yellow gold. Pin weighs 16.00 dwt and contains 38 round rubies weighing approx 6.00ct, 39 round diamonds weighing 1.50ct with G/H Color VS/SI clarity,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Vintage "Butterfly" Brooch Carved Jade and 3 Cultured Pearls 14 Karat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous, Mid Century vintage "Butterfly" brooch, features carved Jade and 3 cultured pearls set in a 14 karat gold floral motif. with 2 round rubies .08pts. and spiral antenna...
Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Chatelaine in Gold and Semi-Precious Stones
Located in Paris, FR
Gold chatelaine with belt hook behind. Two smooth lapis lazuli blazons are set in think, chain-link rings and topped with a crown embellished with pearls and inlaid with small green and red stones. Below the lapis lazuli blazons is a black enamel motto which reads “Tout ou Rien” (All or Nothing). Three short chains are suspended from the blazons and the motto, each of which is divided by a bead of lapis lazuli. At the end of each chain is a functional pendant: a jasper seal, a gold and lapis lazuli key...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Turquoise, Pearl & Diamond Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian 14K gold brooch. This brooch presents an impressive and endearing design with a crossed centre portion with 12 turquoise s...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Vintage PACO RABANNE Abstract Silver Brooch
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Abstract Silver Brooch Measurements: Height: 1.97 inches (5 cm) Width: 3.54 inches (9 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABBANE. - Abstract form brooch. - Silver tone hardware...