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 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 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 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
Victorian Diamond Pearl Flower Pendant Necklace Gold Belle Époque
Located in New York, NY
A stunning original Victorian - Belle Epoque Pendant in the form of a flower set with a gorgeous Old Mine Cut Diamond in the center with pearl set petals and leaves. The jewels set ...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold
Vintage 1980s Diamond and 18K White Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.55 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold heart shaped pendant; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,327
H 0.31 in W 0.77 in L 17 in
Vintage 7.93 Carat Coral and 1.82 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 7.93 carat coral and 1.82 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage pendant has been crafted in 14k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, cluster design is ornamented with a feature 7.93Ct cabochon cut coral. The coral is encircled by twenty-six collet set modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The coral and yellow gold pendant is suspended from a 14k yellow gold 43.18cm/17" trace chain via an integrated, tapering hinged ring loop attachment. This vintage 1980s pendant is hallmarked with the 14k gold fineness mark - 585 - to the reverse of the hinged bale in addition to an unidentified hallmark. This vintage coral pendant...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls Coral Onyx Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite necklace, artfully crafted in 18-karat white gold, presents a pendant that is a symphony of natural beauty and sophistication. Gracefully suspended, the pendant featur...
Diamond, Pearl, Coral, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau Enamel Garnet Butterfly Moth Insect Pendant Necklace Rare 1900
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful and rare Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace in the form of a Butterfly or Moth. The magnificent Butterfly has exquisite enamel wings, with a fine Bohemian Garnet body ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Enamel
Schiaparelli Citrine Studded Swag Chain Necklace
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli gilt chain swag necklace studded with citrine crystals throughout. 4 central oval citrine pastes form the focus of this attractive necklace. USA 1950's, design France. ...
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Base Metal
Dangling Diamond Baguette Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a special necklace with a total of 1 ct Dangling Baguette Diamonds which are drillled and suspended on an 18K fine gold chain, making it easily wearable all the time ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Haute Couture Sapphire Pendant Brooch Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior Haute Couture pendant brooch necklace.The large pear shaped faceted faux sapphire with central amythest zone is set in gilt filigree with fringed chain tassels. The de...
Gilt Metal
Maison Gripoix for Chanel Multicolored Poured Glass Sautoir
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Maison Gripoix for Chanel pastille drop long necklace of deep ruby, emerald and amythest oval hand made stations in signature Gripoix poured glass enamel. Sautoir is handmade of fine...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
French Art Deco Bakelite Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco bakelite link necklace in varied shades of brown with chrome link stations. Necklace terminating in a large, floral carved bak...
Gilt Metal
Imperial White Jadeite Cabochon and Diamond Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
This Magnificent Necklace is composed of eight pieces of high quality translucent white jadeite cabochon and nine pieces of small imperial gr...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Important Giuliano Enamel Necklace
By Carlo and Arthur Giuliano
Located in London, GB
An Important Carlo and Arthur Giuliano enamel, diamond and sapphire necklace signed C & AG, the necklace comprising pierced feathered scrollwork sections finely enamelled with b...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel