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 Shoulder-Duster Gunmetal Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Paco Rabanne Paris futuristic clip-on earrings feature an oversized shoulder-duster dangling drop shape with gunmetal framing, topped with resin cabochons and beads in b...
Paco Rabanne Black and White Resin and Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paco Rabanne Paris Futuristic Clip-on Earrings – Rare Avant-Garde Statement Pieces Elevate your private collection with these exceptional clip-on earrings from Paco Rabanne Paris, a ...
Paco Rabanne Quilted Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Paco Rabanne 2 tone "quilted" effect clip earring. Very attractive and dimensional. Gilt and patinaed silver loafs alternating.
Excellent condition.
Paco Rabanne Logo Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Charming Paco Rabanne logo earrings with the designers logo scattered randomly over gilded clip demi hoops. A subtler version of 80's logo jewelry. Exce...
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne Paris Silvered Modernist Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paco Rabanne Paris designed these futuristic metal clip-on earrings in the 1990s. The design boasts a silver plate "comma" shape, slightly hammered with carving and see-through. The ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Paco Rabanne Signed Geometric Gold Plated Modernist Brass Earrings 60's
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous and amazing signed vintage French Paco Rabanne modernist dangle sculptural earrings are so au courant now as they were then in the 60's. The geometric cutout forms and...
Gold Plate, Brass
1970s Paco Rabanne Frosted Glass Gilt Metal Pendant Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare 1970's Paco Rabanne clip on earrings. Gold tone metal with ribbed frosted glass button at top. The earrings drop down into a mobile-like pendant featuring dropped small chain li...
Gilt Metal
$1,177
Paco Rabanne earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal clip-on earrings made of articulated pastilles. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 13 cm SKU:BO427
Paco Rabanne silvery earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal clip-on earrings with iridescent cabochons. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 12 cm SKU:BO34
Paco Rabanne Vintage Antiqued Silver Toned Tubular Charms Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage antiqued silver toned dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring tubular charms embellished with white glass beads topped with a la...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Creased Metal and Resin Cabochon Chandelier Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage chandelier earrings (clip-on) featuring creased antiqued diamond shaped metal embellished with iridescent resin caboch...
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture 1980
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Red rhodoid pastille earrings with black pearls and metallic rings. Not signed Haute Couture jewelry, circa 1980 Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 6...
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture circa 1965/67
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Plastic clip-on earrings wuth rhodoid, pearls, and silvery metal. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1965/1967. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 10 cm SK...
Paco Rabanne earrings Summer 1991
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal geometrical-shape earrings. Not signed jewelry from a fashion show. 1991 Spring-Summer Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 1...
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Golden plastic clip-on earrings with black pearls and assembled with metallic rings. Not signed prototype from a fashion show. 1994-1995 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Coll...
Paco Rabanne earrings 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings with black resin. Not signed jewelry - 1990 fall-winter collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length:...
Paco Rabanne earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Long silvery metal clip-on earrings with three triangles. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 11 cm SKU:BO23
Paco Rabanne Gilded Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Clip-on earrings in gilded metal. Additional information: Dimensions: 3.5 L cm (1.37" L) Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BO222
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Clip-on earrings made of pink, silvery, and purple plastic material assembled with metallic rings. Not signed prototype from fashion show. 1994/1995 Fall-Winter Haute ...
Paco Rabanne clip-on earrings Haute Couture Summer 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Clip-on earrings made of interlaced silvery metal rings. Not signed prototype from a fashion show. 1990 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good c...
Paco Rabanne Earrings with Green Resin Pearls
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Long golden metal earrings with green resin pearls. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 8.5 cm Seller Reference: BO6
Paco Rabanne Clip-on Earrings with Pearls and Transparent Rings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal clip-on earrings decorated with pearls and transparent rings. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 17.5 cm Seller...
$9,180Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.75 in L 1.25 in
Assael Coral Diamond Earrings Tahitian South Sea Pearls Estate 18k White Gold
By Assael
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of estate Assael angel skin coral, diamond & Tahitian South Sea pearl earrings crafted in 18k white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1.25 carats (...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$160Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.75 in L 3.3 in
Kenneth Jay Lane Black Plated Flower Crystal Dangle Clip On Earrings, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Black plated flower crystal clip on dangle earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Accessorize with some striking black and white contrast! Hallmarks: KJL
Crystal
$1,412
Chanel earrings
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm BOB52
Robert Wander 18K Semi Baroque South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very versatile pair of late-20th century 18K yellow gold designer fashion earrings is set with two 13.5mm semi-baroque South Sea pearls surrounded by a line of brilliant cut dia...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Domed Bombay Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Paris Domed Bombay Earrings, measuring 1 inch in length, 5/8 inch wide and 3/4 inch in depth. Set with 2.5 to 4 M.M Pearls and very fine color and luster and furt...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.56Carat GRS Certified Blue Sapphires and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous pair of earrings, it features two unheated blue sapphire briolettes weighing 10.56 carat, with six white diamond beads and two fancy cut white diamonds weighing a total of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ribbed 18k Yellow Gold Earclips, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pair of ribbed 18K yellow gold earclips from the 1960s exudes a pristine and grand elegance. The design features a beautifully ribbed texture complemented by a high polish finis...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Sea Life Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone textured sea life dangle earrings (clip-on) embellished with clear crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Sun Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a large textured and stylized sun embellished with clear crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicativ...
Gilt Metal
【Crown Radiance】Aurora South Sea Pearl Orchid Leaf Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These extraordinary earrings feature 9-11mm near-round Aurora South Sea pearls, gracefully arranged in a grape-inspired design. Adorned with 0.84 carats of shimmering diamonds, the i...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
CHRISTIAN LACROIX Vintage Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with multicolored crystals, glass cabochon, faux pearl and a large pate de verre drop. Marked CHRISTIAN LACROIX CL ...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Floral Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone floral dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed YSL. Made in France. Indicative measurements : height approx. 8 cm (3.15 inches) / width approx. 2.5 cm (0.98 inch). Weight per earrings : approx. 18 grams. Material : Gold tone metal hardware / Crystal. NOTES - This is a preloved vintage...
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne earrings Haute Couture Winter 1995
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal clip-on earrings with black rubber and plastic pearls. Not signed prototype from fashion show. 1995-1996 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Condition...
Paco Rabanne Chainmail Drop Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the earrings is evident on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. This item comes with the original box and dust bag. De...
Paco Rabanne Chainmail Drop Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the earrings is evident on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. This item comes with the original box and dust bag. Deta...
Paco Rabanne Golden Metal Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Golden metal earrings. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 6.5 cm Seller Reference: BO7
Paco Rabanne Earrings with Goldedn Celluloid Pastille
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal earrings made of silvery and goldedn celluloid pastilles. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 6 cm Seller Refere...
Paco Rabanne Earrings Made of Coat-of-Mail and Pink Rhinestones
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal earrings made of coat-of-mail and pink rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 9 cm Seller Reference: BO29
Paco Rabanne Silvery Metal Clip-on Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal clip-on earrings with black enamel. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 6.5 cm Seller Reference: BO50
Paco Rabanne Golden Metal Earrings with Pale Pink Stones
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Golden metal earrings with pale pink stones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 10.5 cm Seller Reference: BO75
PACO RABANNE Vintage Massive Silver Tone Modernist Clip-On Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage massive 3-dimensional modernist silver tone clip-on earrings. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : approx. 3.9 cm x 3.9 cm (1.54 inches x 1.54 inch...
Sold
W 1.23 in L 2.68 in
Paco Rabanne Paris Futuristic Metal Chainmail and Quartz Dangle Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gorgeous Paco Rabanne Paris futuristic clip-on earrings. Features a silver-tone chainmail grid ornate with dangle transparent quartz chips. The clips are marked underside with the "P...
Quartz
Paco Rabanne Vintage Gold Toned Geometric Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage gold toned geometric dangling earrings (clip-on). Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 8.5 cm (3.35 inches) / max. width ap...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Rock Crystal Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned dangling earrings (clip-on) with rock crystal embellishement. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements : length approx. 6.5 cm (2.56 inc...