Rare 1970s Paco Rabanne Chain Mail Dress
View Similar Items
Rare 1970s Paco Rabanne Chain Mail Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Rockwood, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: Item# DD20781stDibs: LU128427272
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.
- Halston Purple Chiffon Halter Dress, c.1970s.By HalstonLocated in New York, NYHalston Purple Chiffon Halter Dress, c.1970s. Halston layered chiffon purple halter dress with empire bodice and handkerchief skirt. Low cut back ...Category
1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920sLocated in New York, NYElaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s Indigo knee-length gauze Flapper dress with intricate beading of art deco style motifs in shades of indigo, blue and silver. Featurin...Category
1920s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress GownBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Naples, FLGianni Versace F/W 1996 Runway Vintage Embellished Sheer Evening Dress Gown IT 38 Gianni Versace couture evening dress featuring sheer top, embell...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace S/S 1994 Runway Couture Vintage Crinkle Silk Lace Black DressBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Naples, FLGianni Versace S/S 1994 Runway Couture Vintage Crinkle Silk Lace Black Dress IT 42Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2002 Runway Sheer Cutout Black Dress GownBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Naples, FLTom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2002 Runway Sheer Cutout Backless Black Evening Dress Gown FR 36Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Azzedine Alaïa F/W 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Gown Maxi DressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Naples, FLAzzedine Alaïa 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Gown Maxi Dress Size M Alaïa black maxi dress featuring halter neckline, open back. flared hem with train...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns