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Paco Rabanne

Spanish, 1934-2023

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.

Average Sold Price
$1,717
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Silver cocktail dress Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver cocktail dress . Fabric composition: 91% triacetate, 9% polyamide. SIZE M
Category

1990s French Paco Rabanne

PACO RABANNE Size M Orange Mohair Blend Turtleneck Sweater
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE sweater comes in a orange mohair blend featuring a turtleneck design. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M Measurements: Shoulder: 16 inches Chest: 40 inch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Paco Rabanne

PACO RABANNE Size S Gold Polypropylene Blend Metallic Pullover
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE pullover comes in a gold metallic polypropylene blend featuring a sleeveless style, ribbed hem, and a v-neck. Made in France. New With Tags. Marked: S Measurements...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Paco Rabanne

PACO RABANNE Size S Tan Brown Animal Print Cotton Mini Skirt
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE mini skirt comes in a tan and brown animal print cotton knit material featuring a center front silver zip up closure, and a ribbed knitted waistband. Excellent Pre- Owne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Yellow Ciao Paco T-Shirt Size M
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never worn. No visible wear to top is evident on this new Paco Rabanne designer resale item. Details Yellow Cotton T-shirt Abstract print Round neck Ruched draw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Mirrored Metal Hearts Silver and Gold Halter Top and Skirt Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing PACO RABBANE gold and silver heart shaped mirror cropped halter top and wrap skirt ensemble ! Hundreds of mirrored discs in the shape of hearts. Adjustable chains on the back...
Category

2010s French Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne Abstract Velvet Sleeveless Dress Size XL
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to dress is evident on this used Paco Rabanne designer resale item. Details Multicolour Velvet Dress Abstract pattern Metallic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Paco Rabanne

Metallic gold pleated jacket with zip closure in the middle front Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Metallic Gold pleated jacket with zip closure in the middle front. Fabric composition: 99% polyester, 1% elasthane. SIZE M
Category

2010s French Paco Rabanne

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Paco Rabanne fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Paco Rabanne fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of green, pink, red and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Jean-Louis Scherrer, Guy Laroche, and Pierre Balmain appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Paco Rabanne fashion from top boutiques around the world. Paco Rabanne fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $41,093, while the average work can sell for $1,172.
Questions About Paco Rabanne
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The fashion house Paco Rabanne is no longer called by its former name due to a shift in its approach to design. In 2023, the luxury fashion brand announced its intentions to drop Paco from the name and rebrand as Rabanne. The move coincided with the fashion house's 60th anniversary and reflected a move toward simpler, more minimal pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Paco Rabanne apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    The story of what happened to Paco Rabanne centers on a name change. The French fashion house's founder, Paco Rabanne, passed away in 2023. A few months later, the label announced its intentions to drop Paco from its name and begin operating under Rabanne. The brand had previously gone on hiatus in 1999 following Paco Rabanne's retirement, only to be revived under the leadership of a new creative director, Manish Arora, in 2011. Julien Dossena took over the role in 2013 and continued to guide the fashion house through its name change and rebranding. Shop a collection of Paco Rabanne apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

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