Paco Rabanne Haute Couture yellow ostrich feather mini dress, ss 1967
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small (EU)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. ▪ Skirt feathers are generally good, no obvious losses ▪ Minor balding in the plumes around the breast ▪ Delicate piece, should be handled with care.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140217453742
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- BodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressLocated in London, GBBodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressCategory
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Alaia Spring-Summer 1996 beaded lemon knit cocktail sequin dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAzzedine Alaia Spring-Summer 1996 beaded lemon knit cocktail sequin dressCategory
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Tom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBTom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressCategory
1990s Italian Shift Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Couture blue silk mini evening dress with gold embellishments, c. 1960sLocated in London, GBPresenting a vintage blue silk evening mini dress, a true treasure of opulence and glamour. This exquisite dress is adorned with gold circular mirrored disks and beads, adding a touc...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Ocimar Versolato Haute Couture black bouclé wool and knitted lace dress, fw 1998By Ocimar VersolatoLocated in London, GBPresenting an extraordinary piece from Ocimar Versolato's Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 1998 collection, the black bouclé wool and knitted lace evening ...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Alexander McQueen beaded lace evening dress, c. 1990sBy Alexander McQueenLocated in London, GBPresenting an enchanting Alexander McQueen sleeveless evening dress, a true masterpiece of elegance and artistry. This dress is constructed from steel grey lace, beautifully adorned ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- ALAÏA 1990 black knitted mini dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHAlaïa knitted mini dress with sheer raised edge skirt -Back closing with a hidden set zipper -Long sleeves -Nude knitted lining -Made in Italy -100% V...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dress
- Vivienne Westwood Fall 1992 Runway Sample Black Metallic Gold DressBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Vivienne Westwood Fall 1992 “Always on Camera” collection Runway piece - this is the exact dress that was worn by model Anna Bayle on the Fall 1992 runway Black full length dress with gold glitter pattern all over Stretch fabric Long sleeve Short zip up back Made in England Measurements (Stretch fabric) - 30-34” chest...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace Fall 1998 Runway Black Grecian Style Medusa Crystal Open Side Gown DressBy Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Gianni Versace Fall 1998 - seen on the runway & in campaign images by Steven Meisel Black silk full length gown with open side detail One open side with crystal and Medusa...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci Fall 2006 Runway Sequin & Fur Scarf DressBy GucciLocated in Hertfordshire, GBGucci by Frida Giannini Fall 2006 - seen on the runway & in an editorial on Kate Moss Black and gold sequin mini dress with fox fur detail Ope...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli 2005 Blue Print Silk DressBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Hertfordshire, GBRoberto Cavalli 2005 Navy blue & beige pattern silk maxi dress Cross back straps Slight train at the back 100% silk Bias cut Size IT 42 / UK 10 / US 6 Measurements - Waist 27-3...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace Spring 2004 Teal Silk Chiffon DressBy VersaceLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Versace Spring 2004 - pink print version seen on the runway Teal blue silk chiffon ruched gown. Twist straps, lunge neckline, built in bodysuit, thigh slit on one side. Tie ...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.