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.
Two Bill Blass Couture Beaded Tops. New Still Retaining Their Original Pricetag
By Bill Blass for Neiman Marcus, Bill Blass
Located in Buchanan, MI
Two Bill Blass Couture Beaded Tops. New Still Retaining Their Original Pricetags. Priced Per Top. THE FIRST Nude silk chiffon with red thread circle embroidered...
Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina Chow
By Fortuny
Located in Riverdale, NY
This dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...
Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos Gown
By Fortuny
Located in Riverdale, NY
This dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
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Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos Gown
By Fortuny
Located in Riverdale, NY
Description: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
Alexander McQueen S/S 2009 Swarovski Crystal Structured Kaleidoscope Mini Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Alexander McQueen for the Spring/Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection" collection. This particular dress was featured on the runway for that season with the print included in numerous garment designs and color palettes. Sleeveless sculptural shift dress. Multicolor kaleidoscope abstract crystal print pattern. V-slit neckline. Center front hemline slit. Large faceted Swarovski crystal embellishments in various sizes at shoulders and center back waistline. Crystals have an intentional distressed look to them, which include scratches at the surfaces, and a silver backing that highlights an aged, and raw reflective appearance. The silk blend of this garment offers a slight sheen to the material. Center back invisible zipper with single hook and eye closure. Fully lined. This dress is recognized as InStyle magazine's 2009 "100 Best Dresses...
Alexander McQueen F/W 2010 “Angels & Demons” Medieval Art Royalty Gown Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Chicago, IL
From Alexander McQueen’s final collection, this spectacular piece features digitally printed imagery depicting Medieval religious ar...
Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld party dress 1980s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Vintage Chloe yellow silk and mocha lace party dress. 1950s sweetheart bustier style with a- line skirt. Classic 1950s style with beautiful lace overlay. Fully lined in silk. Bespo...
Vintage 1990’s Martin Margiela A line long deconstructed dress with felt patches
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
This piece epitomises the deconstructed era of the Margiela house in the 1990’s. A maxi length, A line shaped dress in a signature colour for the house (taupe/olive) with grey felt ...
Azzaro Paris 80's Gold Lamé Sunray Pleated Met Gala Evening Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A veritable museum piece, this 1988 Loris Azzaro gown was worn by supermodel Amber Valletta to the ‘Gilded Glamour’ themed 2022 Met Gala where she was f...
Full Sleeve Vibrant Pink, Black, Gold Fit and Flare Brocade Gown with Pockets
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Puffy sleeve gown Fit and Flare gown in vibrant pink and black with metallic gold floral brocade. A uniquely pleated shoulder and a puffy full sleeve give the dress its lush fullness...
