Paco Rabanne Vintage Sheer Dress with Chest Embellishment
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 36 (EU)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3229220793432
Paco Rabanne
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Diane Freis 1980s DressBy Diane FreisLocated in New York, NY1980s Diane Freis Drop Waist Tiered Printed Dress with Bishop Sleeves and Ruffled Neckline. Like all of Freis' dresses, her prints were such an important element to every dress she p...Category
1980s Day Dresses
- Valentino White Linen Dress With Lace Hem & Matching VestBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYThis 1980's Valentino look is in a crisp white with its delicate lace hem, this dress exudes timeless grace and femininity. Paired with the matching vest, it creates a beautifully co...Category
1980s Day Dresses
- Emilio Pucci 1970's DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in New York, NYStunning 1970s Emilio Pucci Blue Printed V-Neck Silk Jersey Dress with Drop Waist and Pleated Skirt. An iconic print and flattering silhouette combined make a timeless dress that wil...Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- Chanel Cruise 2000 Tweed DressBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYCruise 2000 Chanel shift dress in purple, pink, green and blue tweed. Small pocket on the left side of the chest, hidden pockets at hips and button closure in the back. Bust 34 in ...Category
Early 2000s Day Dresses
- Jean Varon 1970s Multi-Colored GownBy Jean VaronLocated in New York, NYJean Varon 70s Abstract Printed Chiffon Gown with Ruffle Detailing. This loose fitting dress with vibrant print and dramatic volume is sure to grab the attention of anyone in the roo...Category
1970s Day Dresses
- Chanel CC Logo Knit Cashmere Mini Dress '09By ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel CC Logo Knit Cashmere Sleeveless Dress in Mint and Blue with Black trim. Look #51 From Chanel's Cruise 2009 Show in Miami, Florida. 100% Cashmere. Bust 30 in Waist 30 in Hips...Category
Early 2000s Day Dresses
- Comme Des Garçons Button-up Black Chiffon Shirt DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Berlin, BEComme Des Garçons Button-up Black Shirt Dress Brand: Comme Des Garçons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection/Year: 2000s Fabric: Cotton / Chiffon Color: Black Size: XS Japanese desig...Category
2010s Japanese Casual Dresses
- Vintage 1920's Gold Beaded Sequin Dress Flapper Dress UK 6-8 US 2-4Located in Cheltenham, GBFull of opulent original details, rendered in the most luxurious fashion, this rare 1920's piece is a beauty to behold and never again find. The rounded neckline of the dress, is fr...Category
1920s European Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1920's Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Bow Dress UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBFull of opulent original details, rendered in the most luxurious fashion, this rare 1920's piece is a beauty to behold. On a base of black silk chiffon and embellished with glass bea...Category
1920s European Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Late 1950's Black Christian Dior Dress UK 8 US 4By Christian DiorLocated in Cheltenham, GBThis collectible and rare late 1950's Christian Dior dress, rendered in a deep black wool crepe, showcases the iconic silhouette of the era, whilst remaining to this day a classic an...Category
1950s European Cocktail Dresses
- Chanel Resort 2013 DressBy ChanelLocated in Brooklyn, NYBehold this exquisite Chanel pale pink dress, a radiant gem plucked from the illustrious resort 2013 collection, as famously showcased on the elegant runway by none other than the ca...Category
2010s Day Dresses
- Versace Spring 1996 dressBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful Gianni Versace Couture 60s inspired cream dress from Spring Summer 1996 collection. The dress is knee length, with thin adjustable belts including classic Versace...Category
1990s Day Dresses