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 Vintage Silver-Tone Chainmail Necklace with Clear Glass Chips
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a silver-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. This chainmail necklace embodies the...
Paco Rabanne Paris Futuristic Chrome and Enamel Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Paco Rabanne, Paris, designed this rare, geometric Space Age necklace. The fabulous piece was crafted in France. This unique, futuristic piece features black enamel m...
Enamel
Paco Rabanne Silver Metal Mesh Chainmaille Purse Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Silver-toned metal chain maille cross body / shoulder bag or necklace with magnetic frame clasp signed Paco Rabanne. Purse measures 6.25" by 3.5" and has a 21.5" single metal chain s...
Base Metal
PACO RABANNE Vintage Bronze-Tone Chainmail Necklace with Clear Glass Chips
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a bronze-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. This chainmail necklace embodies the...
Vintage 1960s PACO RABANNE Space Age Humanoid Pendant Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1960s PACO RABANNE Space Age Humanoid Pendant Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Space age humanoid pendant in ivory-toned resin. - Chain necklace. - Gold t...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Tone Modernist Chain Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver tone double chain necklace featuring two large 3-dimensional modernist square links. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measureme...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Rhodoid and Metal Discs Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace featuring articulated silver tone metal discs embellished with black and clear rhodhoid disc cascade. Lobster clasp closure. ...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Electric Blue Bead & Silver Tone Metal Choker Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage choker necklace featuring four strands of electric blue facetted glass beads alterning with tubular silver tone elements. Lobster clasp closure. Marked PACO RA...
Vintage PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues Zodiac Discs Layered Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues Zodiac Discs Layered Necklace Measurements: Length: 14.76 inches (37.5 cm) Zodiac Discs: 0.94 inch (2.4 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE by Georges Desrues. - Double layered necklace...
Vintage Massive PACO RABANNE Rock Crystal Square Mesh Pendant Long Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive PACO RABANNE Rock Crystal Square Mesh Pendant Long Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE. - Massive square mesh pendant with rock crystal clustered at the...
Paco Rabanne Golden Necklace Made of Articulated Plates
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Golden metal necklace made of articulated plates. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: from 52 cm to 55 cm Seller Reference: BC216
Paco Rabanne Pastille Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Necklace made of silvery metal pastilles, and black and transparent rhodoid pastilles. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: ...
Vintage Long PACO RABANNE Logo Snake Chain Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Long PACO RABANNE Logo Snake Chain Necklace Measurements: Logo Ring: 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cms) Wearable Length: 34 inches (86.36 cms) Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABANNE....
Paco Rabanne pendant necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metal pendant necklace. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 70 cm - Pendant: 11 cm x 11 cm SKU:BC8
Vintage PACO RABANNE Ebony Wood, Horn Olives and Metal Disc Plastron Bib Necklac
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Ebony Wood, Horn Olives and Metal Disc Plastron Bib Necklace Measurements: Height: 11.81 inches (30 cm) Width: 7.87 inches (20 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic P...
Silver Sautoir with Wood Beads by Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in PARIS, FR
This long necklace is a creation by Paco Rabanne. This long necklace is composed of oversized dark wood beads, joined by a silver-toned fine chain. There is no clasp for this necklac...
Base Metal
Paco Rabanne Silvery Necklace with Rhinestones
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Dark-silvery metal necklace with rhinestones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 40 cm to 44 cm Seller Reference: BC167
Vintage PACO RABANNE Gold Black Cube Letter Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage PACO RABANNE Gold Black Cube Letter Necklace Measurements: Height: 0.59 inch (1.5 cm) Wearable Length: 14.96 inches (38 cm) Adjustable Features: - 100% Authentic PACO RABAN...
Smooth Blue Topaz and Green Prehnite Double Cabochon 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fine 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with smooth Double Cabochon Blue Topaz and Green Prehnite. Length: 18 Inches, Weight: 170 carats, 750 Stamped.
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980's Citrine and Smoky Quartz Statement Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Incredible statement necklace with citrine and smoky quartz gemstones. The color combination is beautiful and the flower clasp in the back is a nice touch. The necklace is very fluid...
Citrine, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
972 Carat of Tanzanite with 8.56 Carat of Diamond Necklace set in Platinum
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Where to begin on this striking and completely one of a kind necklace? Inspiration came with the discovery of an antique 7 Carat Diamond and Platinum pin imagined as a striking clas...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Angel Skin Coral, Mother-of Pearl and 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
This striking double-stranded necklace is set with alternating bezel-set angel skin coral and white mother-of-pearl squares each separated by round open gold links. The interplay of ...
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.10 Carat Diamond 5.62 carat Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Tennis Choker Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat rose gold, this stunning necklace is hand set with 5.62 carats Ruby and 6.10 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest col...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Craig Drake Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Craig Drake
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamonds (5.75 ctw. H-VS) 18K yellow gold 204.5 Grams 16" Diamond weight is approximate
Diamond, 18k Gold
9.23 Carat Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14k White Gold by Gem Jewelers Co
Located in Miami, FL
This 9 Carat Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace is a must-have. This is one of our best sellers simply because of its simplicity and timel...
Diamond, White Gold
Gem Jewelers Co. 10.23 Carat Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This unique 10.23ct Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace is a Head turner. Each diamond is set in a crown prong setting giving off maximum brilliance and shine. the Center stone is the ...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Gold Made in Italy Rose Quartz Changeable Gem Revolving Loops Necklace
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18k Gold Made in Italy Rose Quartz Changeable Gem Revolving Loops Essence Necklace. Experience the Wellbeing of Sound and Gemstones with the Sonoro Pendant Necklace. Unlock Your Divine Potential with the Sonoro pendant. Gems and metal are energetically cleansed to emit their best vibrations. The exclusive Sonoro pendant necklace features three gold rings hinged together and revolving inside one another while embracing a spherical gemstone at their very core and leaving it free to move and emit a sound. The gem can be replaced according to the energy needs of the verifiable moment with a kinesiological test to achieve your well-being. The Sonoro pendant is cad designed and wax modeled by Italian designer and gemologist (GIA G.G.) Beatrice Barzaghi. The necklace is made of 18 karats gold. The external ring made of rose gold is inspired by each client and I model it in wax for each person since it represents the path of each of us on this Earth to best realize the gifts with which we incarnated. While the inner rings made of white gold symbolize our divine part, the celestial spheres, the reaching of Enlightenment. Thus the total weight of the necklace ranges between 8.50 g and 10.10 g so far. The Sonoro necklace is fused in gold, hinged and polished by the best Italian goldsmiths. The diameter of the external ring measures 21.5 mm. The chain is 42 cm long. The jewel in the main picture features a Rose Quartz sphere...
Carnelian, Hematite, Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Aventurine, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Silver Peretti Mesh Bib Necklace, 37.64g
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
A striking Tiffany & Co. necklace designed by renowned designer Elsa Peretti, featuring her iconic mesh bib design crafted in sterling silver. The fluid mesh construction drapes ...
Silver
Cartier Panthere 1990s Yellow Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
1992 18k yellow gold Panthere necklace by Cartier. Necklace is 16.75" long and 15mm wide. Marked on the clasp: Cartier 1992, 750, E73016. Weight - 92 grams.
Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Collection Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Retired design Tiffany & Co. Atlas Collection necklace. The necklace is 17 inches in length, made of 18K yellow gold, and weighs 79.60 DWT (approx. 123.79 grams).
18k Gold
Vintage Paco Rabanne Gold Tone Chainmail Mini Purse Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Paco Rabanne Gold Tone Chainmail Mini Purse Necklace Marked: paco rabanne Approximate Dimensions: 71 cm (Length) 4.8 cm (Purse Width) 8 cm (Purse Length) 45.4 grams in wei...
Gold
PACO RABANNE Silver Tone Chainmail Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace showcasing a silver-tone chainmail grid adorned with dangling clear glass chips. Lobster clasp. Adjustable length. Marked PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicat...
Paco Rabanne Mesh Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Long golden and silvery metal necklace holding a tiny mesh bag. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 65 cm Seller Reference: BC136
Paco Rabanne Black Leather and Silver Metal Choker Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Chocker necklace in black leather and silver metal like a belt. Size M. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 32 cm / 34 cm / 37 ...
Silver
Paco Rabanne Short Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Attributed to) Short necklace made of cabochons, resin and glass paste beads. Not signed. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 38 cm...
Paco Rabanne Golden Two-row Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Golden metal two-row necklace with openwork medallions representing star signs. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: L...
Paco Rabanne Style Massive Futuristic Drapery Link Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous French necklace is a killer piece. The sculptural bib drapery shape boasts inter-connecting geometric gilt metal links. This extra-long futuristic design has an around-...
Gilt Metal
Paco Rabanne Silvery Metal Necklace, 2000s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal necklace with transparent pearls. Jewelry from the beginning of the 2000s. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: fr...
Paco Rabanne Ethnic Silver Plated and Brown Seeds Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Necklace composed of silver plated and brown seeds. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 108 cm (42.51") Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BC1308
Silver Plate
Paco Rabanne Vintage Silver Mesh Metal Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned mesh metal necklace. Silver tone metal hardware. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative me...
Paco Rabanne by Maison Desrues Vintage 1990s Zodiac Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage matte gold toned double strand necklace featuring the 12 zodiac signs. Created in the ateliers of the MAISON DESRUES in the 1990s....
Paco Rabanne Vintage Silver Mesh Metal Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver toned mesh metal necklace. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements : length approx. 40...