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.
Pale pink silk printed mini dress PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale pink silk printed mini dress. Decorative rhinestone button on the middle front and on the cuffs. Zip closure on the left side. NEW WITH TAG SIZE 34 (Fr) XS
PACO RABANNE black pink 2019 ROSE & LACE CHAINMAIL MIDI Dress 38 S
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Paco Rabanne cocktail dress in black, pink and green rose printed aluminium chainmail, exquisitely trimmed in black sheer lace polyester (60%) and nylon (40%). Feature...
Paco Rabanne Vintage Gold Chain Link Cocktail Dress, Size 4-6
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6
PACO RABANNE Red and White Sleeveless Dress with Black Circular Appliqué
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE red and white sleeveless dress with black circular appliqué. This dress features : - Sleeveless red dress with white trim and central stripe. - Graphic black and clear ...
1990s Paco Rabanne Black White Check Print Bodycon Hip Chain Sleeveless Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Paco Rabanne dress from the 1990s collection is cut in a fitted, knee-length silhouette. It features a sleeveless construction with a scoop neckline and a deep V-cut back. The d...
Paco Rabanne Ribbed Cotton Knit SS Sweater & Coordinating Satin Print Maxi Skirt
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paco Rabanne 2pc set, ribbed 100% cotton knit print short sleeve sweater closes at the back with a row of silver metal buttons. Coordinating print silky poly satin maxi skirt has a w...
Paco Rabanne Scoop Neck Mini Dress in Black Viscose
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Houston, TX
The Paco Rabanne Scoop Neck Mini Dress in Black Viscose is a stylish and contemporary dress with a touch of edginess. This A-line dress features a sleek black color and is made from ...
Paco Rabanne New Chain Mail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible metal mesh, chain mail dress in a beautiful red, blue and silver abstract print from Paco Rabanne. It is a sleeveless with a rounded ne...
PACO RABANNE Silver Foil Grid Maxi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE striking sleeveless maxi dress featuring a silver foil-printed surface that creates a shimmering, metallic grid reminiscent of chain mail. The foil overlay is applied to...
Paco Rabanne 2000s Women's Peek-a-Boo Metal Disc Cocktail Dress Size 4
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare Paco Rabanne Runway cocktail dress. Fit size 4 ** Dress weigh around 8lb
Paco Rabanne Spring 2001 Black Cotton Jersey Asymmetric Zip Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A stunning and rare archival piece from the Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2001 collection. This mid-length dress is crafted from a high-quality black cotton jersey, offering both comfor...
Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Winter 1999
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Short rhodoid pastilles dress printed with black and white houndstooth pattern, and assembled with metallic rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Prototype fr...
PACO RABANNE black 2024 FLORAL PANELED JERSEY MAXI Dress 36 XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Paco Rabanne maxi dress is crafted from black stretch jersey viscose (90%) and elastane (10%), offering both comfort and a flattering fit. It features a fitted, l...
1980's Paco Rabanne White Velvet Buckle Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne white stretch velour mini dress with a square neckline and three metal buckles at the chest. New with Tags.
F/W 2001 Paco Rabanne Runway Buckle Sheer Panel Black Bodycon Y2K Gown FR36
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black sleeveless gown designed for Paco Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2001 runway collection. This elegant form-fitting dress features a high neckline and a sheer mesh-...
1980's Paco Rabanne Black Silk Belted Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Black silk sleeveless fitted mini dress with an attached metal horse bit buckled belt from PACO RABANNE and an invisible back zipper. New with tags.
1980's Paco Rabanne Black Silk Shirt Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's New with Tag black silk button up shirt dress with a wool crepe skirt and wide attached belt from PACO RABANNE.
Orange rayon jersey dress draped on the side with snap RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Orange rayon jersey dress draped on the side with snap. One snap closure on the top middle back. SIZE 36 / S
PACO RABANNE Size 4 Silver Viscose Blend Cap Sleeves Asymmetrical Midi Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE cocktail dress in a metallic silver tone viscose blend fabric featuring an asymmetrical skirt, ruched side details, and cap sleeves.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor ...
A paper Dress and adhesive tape by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne Paris - C. 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1967 France Gadget paper dress created in Roanne by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne. Sleeveless long dress applied with brown, yellow and gold fringed adhesive tape. Press stud t...
1970s Paco Rabanne Butterscotch Day Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This fabulous butterscotch colored Paco Rabanne T-shirt dress dates from the 1970's. Features a shirt collar, two patch pockets, and a front button closure. Plastic buttons are shiny...
1980's Paco Rabanne Black and White Psychedelic Print Shirt Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1980's Paco Rabanne black and white silk psychedelic print long sleeve shirt dress with a wool crepe skirt and an attached wide belt. New with Tags.
Paco Rabanne x H&M, Midi leopard dress.
By Paco Rabanne
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Paco Rabanne x H&M, Midi leopard dress. The item is new with tags.
Retro Paco Rabanne Black and White High Neck Panel Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Paco Rabanne black and white high neck panel dress. Featuring a silver buckle on the waist. Very chic and retro style! - Made in France. - Size M. - Bust: 28 inche...
1960s Ivory and Gold Lace + Sequins Mod Vintage A - Line 60s Babydoll Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s ivory and gold lace A-line dress! Features a fitted bodice, with a nice full flattering flared skirt. Gold embroidered waistband and sleeve cuffs are adorned with gold seq...
CHANEL black/white silk satin dress FR 40 Fall 2001 01A
By Chanel
Located in Rubiera, RE
CHANEL Fall 2001 Elegant dress in black and white silk satin with drapery on the neckline. Short sleeves. Side pockets. Zip closure on the back. size FR 40 Made in France 100% silk ...
$696Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small - Medium
1970s Joy Stevens One Shoulder Gold Grecian Inspired 70s Vintage Gown Maxi Dress
By Joy Stevens
Located in San Diego, CA
Unbelievable 1970s JOY STEVENS one shoulder Grecian gown! Features a golden jersey body with plenty of stretch. Chiffon overlay features purple, green and gold abstract print. Hidden...
NEW Missoni Gold Metallic Crochet Knit Hooded Shawl Dress 38
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
UNIQUE & LUXURIOUS METALLIC GOLD LUREX DRESS RARE & SPECIAL PIECE DETAILS: Beautiful gold lurex MISSONI dress From MISSONI main line Classic MISSONI signature knit Simply s...
Victoria Beckham White and Black Mini Dress, Size 6
By Victoria Victoria Beckham
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Collar - Short sleeves - Front button closure - Elasticized waist
Dolce & Gabbana Red Wool Mini Dress Size 42
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring crew neck line, 3/4 sleeves (measure 18.25 inches long), above the knee length and concealed rear zip closure.
F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Beige Tulle Plunging Runway Gown 38IT
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gucci gown from the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, designed by Tom Ford, is cut in a floor-length silhouette in beige tulle with a deep V-neckline and small cutouts at each undera...
$995
Size: Medium / Large
1990s Huey Waltzer Light Gold Metallic High Neck Short Sleeve 90s Jersey Gown
By HUEY WALTZER
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 90s HUEY WALTZER light pale gold high neck evening dress! Features a soft metallic jersey that stretches to fit. Lovely metallic light g...
Louis Estevez Silk Bodycon Backless Dress 1950s
By Louis Estevez
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk dress from Estevez. The neckline has 2 fringe edged overlapping panels at the center front and the back is low cut. Intricate seaming creates a clever figure enhancing fit with princess seaming...
Badgley Mischka Light Gold Fit and Flare 50s Style Flattering Silk Dress
By Badgley Mischka
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful BADGLEY MISCHKA light gold 1950s style silk dress! Perfect gold color, on the finest silk! Fit & flare style, with a slight A - Line shape. Features cap sleeves, with a sco...
S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Sheer Black Cowl Neck Dress 44IT
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a sheer 'naked' cowl neck Gucci dress, designed by Tom Ford. Debuting on the Spring/Summer 1997 runway on Amber Valletta, this versatile piec...
Christian Dior Spring 2001 Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Norwich, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano dress, from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection. Features a semi sheer pink fabric, with asymmetric hem. Condition Excellent. Size and composition lab...
Sold
Size: French size 36 equivalent
A paper Dress and adhesive tape by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne Paris - C. 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1967 France Gadget paper dress created in Roanne by Anik Robelin for Paco Rabanne. Sleeveless long dress applied with brown, yellow and gold fringed adhesive tape. Press stud tabs on the shoulders. Initially a single-use dress...
Paco Rabbane Vintage 1996 Gold Disc Rhodoid DIY Mini Dress Kit
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A rare and highly collectible limited re-edition of Paco Rabanne’s groundbreaking 1966 “Disc Dress,” originally introduced in his first haute couture collection “12 Unwearable Dresse...
Paco Rabanne Rhodoid Disc DIY Dress - '60s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Paco Rabanne sequin dress made from golden rhodoid discs. Created using the iconic DIY kit, a true collector's piece from the 1960s. Remarks: there are many spots and signs of wear...
1990s Paco Rabanne Bond Girl Mock Neck Belted Sleeveless Navy Black Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1990s, this black Paco Rabanne Bond girl-style sleeveless mini dress features a mock neck. The dress is made complete with belt loops and a built-in belt. Each belt loop is ...
Paco Rabanne Long Dress in Rhodoïd Pastilles and Patterns
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne -Long dress made of rhodoïd pastilles and patterns. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 40 cm, Length: 125 cm Condition: V...
PACO RABANNE Silver Foil Grid Maxi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE silver foil grid maxi dress. Top surface is silver foil printed creating a metallic chain mail effect on a black knit spandex base. Bodycon cut. Ankle length. Cross ba...
Maxi sleeveless dress with stars print Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Maxi sleeveless dress with stars print. Fabric composition: 95% rayon, 5% elastane SIZE 40 (M )
2000S PACO RABANNE Red, Forest & Lime Green Floral Bias Cut Gown
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
2000S PACO RABANNE Red, Forest & Lime Green Floral Bias Cut Gown
PACO RABANNE Size XS Multi-Color Striped Ribbed Cotton Blend Midi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE dress comes in a multi-color striped ribbed cotton blend featuring a midi style, stretch material, back logo patch, and a front gold toned buttoned closure. New With T...
PACO RABANNE Size 4 Black Floral Lace Silk Maxi Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Francisco, CA
PACO RABANNE dress comes in a black floral silk with a slip liner featuring a maxi style, lace edges, a-line, and spaghetti straps. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 36 Measur...
Paco Rabanne Spring 2019 sleeveless black jersey floral print paisley dress 36
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Paco Rabanne Spring 2019 Sleeveless jersey dress with floral and paisley print FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!!! Composition: 95% viscose, 5% elastane Size: FR 36 - plenty of stretch ...
Paco Rabanne Vintage 1996 Gold Rhodoid Disc Do It Yourself Mini Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage DIY rhodoid disc mini dress from 1996, rare and collectable example of a re-issued of the iconic 1966 PACO RABANNE dress (photographied on the cover of the Briti...