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 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
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...
$3,252 / item
W 0.6 in D 0.03 in L 0.94 in
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Dangle Clip-On Earring Pendants
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold clip-on pendant earrings consisting of two partially overlapping pierced squares. Alex Jona jewels stand ou...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Design Dangle Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini design collection, contemporary jewels. Handcrafted Earrings in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Purple Amethyst . Oval cut Amethyst dangle earrings that reflect a Modern style Handcrafted in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and embellished with a deep purple Amethyst. The sculptural design provides an extra shiny surface of the disk and a subtle play of the shadow and light that remind the moon surface. You can wear the earrings every day and the piece can be ordered as a clip - on earrings. All stones have a meaning: Amethyst relieves an individual from stress and strain. By choosing a jewel from the Rossella Ugolini collection, you are not only choosing to support a unique, careful and meticulously built savoir-faire, built over years of work and artistic experimentation; by choosing the ""well-made"" by hand, you contribute to the growth and diffusion of a sector full of value, storytelling, culture and inspiration, in which Beauty plays a fundamental role: as inspirer and muse of the soul." Rossella Ugolini Jewelry Designer's collection is 100% handcrafted with loads of love in Rome. An exclusive design, enriched by the most precious metals and gems, gives shape to Rossella's daily inspirations and a lifetime passion, framed by the timeless beauty of Rome and its enchanting atmosphere. Quality comes from attention to detail. Each Rossella Ugolini's item is unique and never worn or owned before. Each box is wrapped with paper and ribbons in a color that matching the jewelry. In addiction you will find a handwritten card and a watercolor drawing of the piece. The box is seal with a wax lacquer seal . Feel free to contact us for any jewel's customization, we'll be pleased to create a one-of-a-kind piece on request for you. The strength of the collections proposed by Rossella Ugolini comes from the quality of the product, still characterized today by a strong artisan imprint and attention to detail. The company has always been faithfully linked to a Made in Italy that accompanies the jewels from the choice of the best precious stones, subjected to careful selection, up to the final packaging for which a finish aimed at a perfect fit of the jewel is always required . Today, in the Rome Atelier, we are committed to obtaining excellence from every single product. The laboratory entirely dedicated to design and handmade creations is also located in Rome. By choosing a jewel from the Rossella Ugolini collection, you are not only choosing to support a unique, careful and meticulously built savoir-faire, built over years of work and artistic experimentation; by choosing the ""well-made"" by hand, you contribute to the growth and diffusion of a sector full of value, storytelling, culture and inspiration, in which Beauty plays a fundamental role: as inspirer and muse of the soul. Details: Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Design...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Limited Edition Bold Gold Topaz Citrine Diamonds Dangle Handcrafted Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, these bold gold dangle pendant earrings are a limited edition piece that exudes sophistication and style. Measurements: 0.55 inch (14mm) x2.28 in...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Brown Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, G...
Rock Crystal and Twisted Gold Drop Earrings
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Twisted Yellow Gold and Rock Crystal Drop Earring This elegant earring measures and inch and a half long. The top cushion is shaped Rock Crystal that measures half an inch w...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Crystal,...
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
H 2 in W 1.25 in
Vintage Andrew Springarn Red Gripoix Glass & Gold Plated Clip On Dangle Earrings
By Andrew Springarn
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of stunning vintage clip on earrings are by the jewelry artist Andrew Springarn. It is done in the manner of the house of Gripoix. They are poured red glass, modernist in f...
Gold Plate
JAR Gilt-Metal Pendant Ear Clips
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
These JAR ear clips feature gilt metal elongated pendants in a hammered finish with ear clips. 4 5/8 inch length. Signed JAR Paris. French assay and wor...
Gilt Metal
$638
W 1.03 in L 2.8 in
Oscar de la Renta Parlor Crystal Drop Clip On Earrings, Blue, Gray, Silvertone
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of Oscar de la Renta dangling clip on earrings from the parlor collection. Feature dark blue and gray/clear crystals with centerpiece gray moonglow cabochons. Silvertone setti...
Crystal
$850
H 3 in W 3 in L 3 in
Vintage Hattie Carnegie Signed Green & Blue Rhinestone Dangle Clip On Earrings
By Hattie Carnegie
Located in North Miami, FL
These pair of amazing and dramatic vintage signed obscure early Hattie Carnegie clip on multi colored jewel toned dangle chandelier earrings are an eye ...
$5,226 / set
W 1.38 in L 2.17 in
CHANEL CC Logo Gold Metal Earrings Evening Dangle Drop Large Circa 1994 W/Box
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL CC Logo Gold Metal Earrings Evening Dangle Drop Large Circa 1994 A very rare stunning 1994 Chanel spring ‘printemps’ CC logo large gilded drop clip-on earrings. Gold filigree ...
Gold Plate
$3,254 / item
W 0.6 in D 0.03 in L 0.94 in
Alex Jona 18 Karat Brushed Rose Gold Dangle Clip-on Earring Pendants
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat brushed rose gold clip-on pendant earrings consisting of two partially overlapping pierced disks. Alex Jona jewels stan...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
$878
W 0.63 in L 2.45 in
Givenchy Vintage Fan Pearl Crystal Tear Water Drop Elegant Gold Clip Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Fan White Pearl Crystal Tear Water Drop Dangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. Very light scratches, barely noticeable....
Gold Plate
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Horseshoe Nail Stud Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold horse nail stud earrings. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Metal and Glass Cabochon Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring metal circles embellished with white glass beads and cabochons. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements : leng...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Red Glass and Metal Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring black enamel metal rings and red glass. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements : length approx. 6.5 cm (2.56 ...
Iconic Paco Rabanne Rock Crystal Paillette Earclips
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Rare,oversized Paco Rabanne long earclips of silvered metal rings studded with natural tumbled rock crystals, and terminating in three signature silver plastic paillettes. France 1...