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
Laura Munder Amethyst and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18KW Gold
By Laura Munder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Laura Munder's exquisite amethyst and diamond dangle earrings effortlessly blend sophistication and charm. These earrings feature 32 amethysts totaling approximately 5.33 carats. T...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tanzanite and Diamond Hand Engraved Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These drop earrings add a pop of color and subtle elegance to any look! Dressed up or down, they are perfect for any occasion. Two velvety, blue-violet color tanzanite are featured i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels Opal Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver. These beautiful drop earrings are hand set with 4.86 carats Opal doublets, 2.5 sapphire and 4.18 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels 27.55 Carat Emerald Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these stunning drop earrings are set in 27.55 carats emerald and 5.82 carats of pave diamonds with blackened finish. Instock FOLL...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Bijoux Num Oval Peridot and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature a pair of oval green peridot (3ctw each) and lustrous white cultured freshwater pearls, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silve...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Sterling Silver, 18k G...
9.00 Carats Natural Multi-Color Sapphire 14K Solid Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.00 Carats Natural Multi-Color Sapphire 14K Solid Yellow Gold Earrings Amazing looking piece! Total Natural Round Cut Sapphire Weight is Approx. 9.00 Carats (both earrings) Sapp...
Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.55 Carat 18 Karat Rose Gold 14-15 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 14-15 mm flanked with numerous diamonds weighing 1.55 carats. Available in white gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Comet Drop Earrings in 18KT Gold, Ruby & Natural Diamonds
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
These exquisite ruby earrings capture the fiery brilliance of a comet blazing across the night sky, perfect for those who radiate dynamic energy and passion. Each meticulously handcr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Diamond Gold and Oxidized Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Natural Diamond Stylized Star Gold and Sterling Silver Drop Earrings. Each Earring Hand set with 9 Round Diamonds x 1.20mm, weighing approx. 0.16tcw. Earring size: ...
Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver
Pair of Edwardian Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of Edwardian diamond drop earrings, the ribbon bow motif suspending an open work tassel, set throughout with old- and rose-cut diamonds, all in a platinum millegrain setting, circa 1910, measuring approximately 3x1.1cm, gross weight 6.5 grams. This antique pair of drop earrings is in very good condition. Unmarked tested as platinum with 18ct gold screw. These lovely early twentieth century earrings come from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. These earrings each feature a sparkling diamond-set bow from which is suspended a diamond-set tassel. The diamonds are set in openwork platinum, and these earrings have a feminine and romantic look to them. These earrings would be an excellent bridal accessory...
Diamond, Platinum
Milagrosa Large Flame ball Pearl Earrings
By Aracheli Studio
Located in Monrovia, CA
A large white freshwater baroque flame ball pearl hangs on a gold plated Milagrosa earring post. Size & shape of pearls may vary slightly as they are natural pearls. Statement earrin...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Dilys' 4.30ct 'Intense Bluish Violet' Tanzanite & Diamond Earrings
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A pair of rare transparent 4.30ct Tanzanite cabochon drop earrings, certified by IGI to be 'Intense Bluish Violet'. Designed versatile to be worn in different ways, they are handcraf...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White ...
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