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 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 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 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...
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...
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 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 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 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
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...
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 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....
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...
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
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
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...
Custom 14k Emerald Drop Necklace 188 carats emerald 14k gold 27gms approx
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Custom Emerald Drop Diamond Necklace 14k Gold Gross weight 80 gms approximately 14k gold 6.8 approximately 150- 250 carats Emerald approximately depending on the Emerald quality you...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 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
14 Karat, Madeira Garnet and Diamond Multi-Comet Necklace
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
This is a very special necklace - made in 14k with Madeira garnets and diamonds. The joyful movement of this design is made with garnet comets, moving ...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique 421 carats emerald ruby antique Pearls gold necklace, 50-100 year old
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Antique 421 carats emerald ruby and antique natural Pearls gold necklace, 50-100 year old, Old Emerald Jewelry. Museum quality heirloom necklace!! Reduced from $45,000 to $34,000 Gro...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Paco Rabanne Style Vintage Swarovski Faceted Gray Crystal Bib Necklace French
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful french bib geometric necklace has been attributed to Paco Rabanne, but is not signed. The inter-connecting, geometric brass links are with with fine precision and the ...
Crystal
Victorian Locket Pendant Necklace Black Enamel Solid Gold Plated Silver Chain
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Black Enamel Locket Necklace possibly in silver - 14k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Chain Designer: J Dauphin This necklace centers on an authentic 19th-century Victorian bl...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold 12 Brilliant Cut Sapphires Collar Choker Necklace
By Anna Maccieri Rossi
Located in Santarcangelo Di Romagna, IT
Inspired by time, Anna Maccieri Rossi's 'Sunset to Sunrise Collar' tells a story of change through the colors of the natural brilliant cut sapphires...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elsa Peretti Sterling Mesh necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York, NY
This is an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Silver Mesh Scarf Necklace. It is a long, fluid necklace crafted from fine sterling silver in an intricate, woven mesh design. The piece is ...
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. ...
Chic multi strand pearl torsade necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a smart and versatile torsade necklace of grey and white cultured pearls. The necklace consists of five strands of pearls which may be worn either loose or twisted into a tor...
Pearl, Silver
18k Gold Horse Bit Choker Necklace by Designer ExtraordinAri Gems, USA
Located in Atlanta, GA
Introducing the Horse Bit Choker, a masterpiece of sophistication and grace. Impeccably crafted in radiant 18k gold, this choker embodies timeless elegance. Elevate your look with th...
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...