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 Futuristic Gunmetal and Resin Long Dangle Clip Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare Paco Rabanne Paris futuristic couture clip-on earrings feature an extra-long dangling drop shape with gunmetal framing, a statement design, topped with resin cabochons and...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Bamboo Rock Crystal Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Bamboo Rock Crystal Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Rock crystal embellished drop earrings with lucite ball charm and silver bamboo...
Vintage PACO RABANNE Black Frosted Glass Indian Style Dangling Earrings
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Black Frosted Glass Indian Style Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Indian style dangling earrings. - Carved black frosted glass with ...
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
Drop Earrings with Moons and Stars Tassels in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Part of AMMANII's Sa'mma = Sky Collection. Homage to the sky, the universal blanket that covers mankind and connects us all under its wings. The drop earrings with moon and stars tas...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Greek Hand Hammered Finish Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Greek made in 18k hand hammered yellow gold earrings, featuring movable drops. Earrings measure 2.5" in length. Width of the widest point - 0.75". Marked with a gold mark on ...
Gold
Ruby Heart Diamond Dangling Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Length: 0.80" Total Weight: 1.9 Grams Diamonds: 42 Setting: Prong Ruby Carat Weight: 0.50 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Drop Earrings with 10.24ct Opal & 3.79ct Diamonds
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 10.24 carats Opal Doublet and 3.79 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to vie...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Etruscan Revival Antique Amethyst Pearl Emerald Fringe Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Etruscan Revival earrings, set in 18k gold, featuring movable fringe drops. The earrings are decorated with center oval amethysts, surrounded with pearls and small em...
Amethyst, Emerald, Pearl, Gold
14.96 Carat Malachite Mother of Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are set with 14.96 carats of Malachite, 11.64 carats mother of pearl and 1.66 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA...
Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold
Gorgeous Rose and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gorgeous 18k gold drop earrings, featuring rubies and a combination of rose & old mine cut diamonds - total approx. 1.40ctw. The earrings have hook backs, long for secure wea...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$8,800 / item
W 0.79 in L 3.63 in
Handmade 18K Gold & Silver Tassel Earrings, 8.4ct Ruby, 4.77ct Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning tassel earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold & sterling silver. It is set in 8.4 carats ruby, 5.3 carats sapphire, pearl and 4.77 carats of glittering diamonds. FO...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold Geode Opal Diamond Earrings, 10.4ct Opal
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning earrings handmade in 18K gold. It is set in geodes, 10.4 carats opal doublet, sapphire and 1.15 carats diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storef...
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18K Gold Drop Earrings with 29.98ct Ruby & 2.93ct Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold. These exquisite earrings are set with 29.98 carats rubies and 2.93-carats of glimmering diamonds. The tiered drop rubies makes a great statement piece. FOL...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Contemporary 8.45ct Jade & Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat yellow gold, these stunning earrings are set with 8.45 carats of Jade and .94 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the la...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Modern 18K White Gold Geode Diamond Drop Earrings, 4.39 Carats
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18-karat gold, these earrings are hand set with geode and 4.39 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Meghna...
Diamond, Agate, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.45ct Baguette Diamond Arrow Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat white gold, these stunning arrow drop earrings are set with 4.45 carats of glimmering baguette diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the late...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Drop Earrings with Opal and Diamond Accents
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 31.13 carats Opal and 1.4 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWE...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
Cartier La Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Gold Drop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k gold earrings by Cartier, from La Baiser du Dragon collection, featuring black cord drops with ruby cabochons. Earrings are 2.5" long, the black cord drop can be removed....
Ruby, Gold
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