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 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. ...
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 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...
$2,480 / item
H 0.71 in W 0.16 in L 18 in
14K White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Triple Heart Link Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A large heart sits between two smaller ones in this lovely statement necklace. Invisible set, glimmering princess cut diamonds inlay the hearts. Fashioned in 14k white gold and with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Tortoise Carved Link Necklace in the Original Gucci Link Design
Located in Southport, CT
GIA Report #6227026165 Carved Tortoise shell necklace with the original Gucci link design. Attestation of age: dates back to circa 1800s Vi...
Other
$3,825
W 2 in D 0.25 in Dm 5 in L 16 in
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Gold Tone Link Necklace, France, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage YSL Gold Tone Heavy Graduated Link Necklace. Couture. Signed and Numbered #319 of #425. Special when on. I have set this for myself. I have managed to acquire the bracelet...
Mixed Metal
Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Diamond Rose Gold Necklace Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Necklace. Featured in 18K Rose Gold and a diamond Kelly lock clasp in the small model. Set with 41 ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$725
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 0.15 in Dm 2.5 in L 28 in
Vintage Gold Tone Link Belt with Round Buckle, 32" Adjustable Length
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Wide Gold Tone Link Belt With Round Buckle. The buckle is rigid, but the links move. 32" L X 2.5". The buckle is 2.75" X 2.75". It can be made smaller as the links move. ...
Mixed Metal
25CTW Mixed Color Gemstone Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers across the country. As the founder shifts focus to new ventures, he’s releasing a final selection of investment-grade gemstone and diamond pieces—offered exclusively to 1stDibs buyers at exceptional, below-market prices. This is not a liquidation or sale—it’s a one-time opportunity to acquire legacy-level jewelry at true insider value. Each piece is final; once sold, it will not be restocked. This stunning 18k Yellow Gold has an array of mixed gemstones that pop in color. This necklace features 207 princess cut gemstones...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Garland Collection Gold Transitional Belcher Chain with Charm Clip and Dog Clip
By Garland Collection
Located in New York, NY
Our antique inspired belcher chain has a bold look and limitless styling options. Each solid gold belcher (rolo) chain is designed with a spinning dog clip at one end and a removable charm...
Gold
$1,000
D 2.56 in L 17.72 in
Antique Bohemian Necklace + Earrings Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 45cm / 27gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1930s Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded or gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set with...
Garnet, Silver, Gold-filled
Chopard 18K Gold Elephant Pendant Necklace, 200 Diamonds, 2.00ct, VVS
By Chopard
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
An exquisite Chopard necklace adorned with an astounding 200 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 2.00 carats. These diamonds, meticulously crafted with exceptional precision, display th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
David Yurman Citrine Briolettes Toggle Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By David Yurman
Located in San Diego, CA
David Yurman Style: Citrine Briolettes Gold Toggle Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Grams: 35 grams Width: 12.5 MM at widest points Hallmark: DY 750 Includes: Elegant Necklace B...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vermeil Belt / Necklace Jackie O, Circa 1970's
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Vermeil (gold on sterling silver) necklace is comprised of textured circular discs in the brutalist style, designed circa 1970. The second image shows Jacqueline Kennedy...
Sterling Silver
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
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 Vintage Rhodoid and Metal Discs Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage necklace featuring articulated silver toned metal discs embellished with black and clear rhodhoid disc cascade. Lobster clasp closure. Extension chain. Marked ...
1980s Paco Rabanne Chain Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Paco Rabanne plastic, amber-effect chain link necklace with square silver bar to close, marked Paco Rabanne. A grand statement piece, of beautiful quality and in a typ...