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.
Paco Rabanne top by Julien Dossena Summer 2020
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - 2020 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Julien Dossena. Silvery lurex top with long sleeves and a multicolored pattern. Size 38FR...
Rabanne top by Paco Rabanne Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - 2001 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Top made of black silk and silvery metalic brass mesh. Size 38FR indicated....
Paco Rabanne Vintage Black Chainmail Star Shaped Disc Mesh Vest Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Sheffield, GB
An instantly recognisable, Iconic Paco Rabanne Chain Mail Vest. Crafted in Madagascar from Black Star shaped Plastic discs with Silver colo...
Leopard printed mesh and silk sleeveless top Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Leopard printed mesh and silk sleeveless top. Knotted in the back. Mesh: 100% aluminium and second fabric: 100% polyester. Small chain on the top of the middle back with brand. SIZE ...
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Paco Rabanne Silver Metal Mesh Tank Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE silver metal mesh tank top. Rectangular metal label reads PACO RABANNE. Indicative measurements taken laid flat : length approx 47 cm ...
Paco Rabanne top Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metallic mesh top with straps made of transparent bakelite and silvery metal. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2001 Spring-Summer Coll...
Paco Rabanne 'Button' top Haute Couture Summer 1970
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Top made of silvery and golden metal buttons, and with tiny golden button fringes. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Not signed piece from the 1970 Spring- Summe...
Paco Rabanne Black and White Acrylic Vintage Halter Crop Top, 1960s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely awesome PACO RABANNE 1960s acrylic black and white checkered halter crop top! Silver metal hooks attach each square piece of acrylic. Adju...
Rabanne coat of mail top Spring 2024
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery coat of mail top with a hood. Size 36FR. 2024 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Julien Dossena. Condition: Very good condition Dimensi...
PACO RABANNE black silver piercing ring detail gathered ribbed tank top IT38 XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE black silver piercing ring detail gathered hem ribbed tank top IT38 XS Reference: CYVN/A00046 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black, Silver Pattern: S...
RABANNE silver black single grommet eyelet crew neck organic cotton tank top XS
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RABANNE silver black single grommet eyelet crew neck organic cotton ribbed tank top XS Reference: CYVN/A00047 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black, Silver Pattern...
Paco Rabanne top circa 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal top with shuttled and bells. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Collection circa 1990. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm - Len...
Rabanne top by Paco Rabanne Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - 2001 Spring-summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Stretch black top made with silvery metalic mesh. Size 38FR indicated. Mad...
Paco Rabanne top Spring-Summer 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Top made of varnished metallic elements on transparent plastic pastilles tied with metallic rings. Prototype from fashion show, 1989 Spring-Summer Col...
Paco Rabanne Black Short Sleeve Polo
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Classic black polo from vintage Paco Rabanne is 100% viscose. IT has one small breast pocket.
Paco Rabanne Navy and Multicolor Long Sleeves Sweatshirt Top, Size 38
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring navy, black and multicolor sweatshirt with crew neckline. Floral motif pattern on the front of the top.
Giorgio Armani 1990s Silver Gunmetal Avant Garde Vintage 90s Silk Blouse Top
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage GIORGIO ARMANI 90s silver and gunmetal Avant Garde sleeveless shirt! Features luxurious silk, with an excellent draped neckline, and asymmetrical ruffle along the f...
Dolce & Gabbana Charcoal and Silver Striped Long Sleeve Top
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Dolce & Gabbana Charcoal & Silver Striped Long Sleeve Top - 42 This classic top is in excellent condition. The top is made of an elastic material and has stripes throughout the ent...
Gucci by Tom Ford Keyhole Cutout Blouse Top
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gucci by Tom Ford Keyhole Cutout Blouse Top Size S Gucci knit draped top featuring plunging neckline, draped accent at front and snap closures at back.
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2002 Lace-up Black Top Shirt
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2002 Lace-up Black Top Shirt IT 42 Gucci black shirt featuring plunged neckline, long sleeves, and lace up sash-tie closure a...
Roberto Cavalli Rainbow Leopard Print Corset Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a vintage Roberto Cavalli rainbow leopard print corset top featuring blue cording ties, blue stitching, and a fairy zipper pull. Roberto C...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Corset Lace Up Plunging Neckline Silk Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Corset Lace Up Plunging Neckline Silk Top Size M
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Semi-Sheer Tribal Tattoo Print Shirt Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Semi-Sheer Tribal Tattoo Print Shirt Top
Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Sheer Open Knit Crochet Corset Black Top
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Sheer Open Knit Crochet Corset Black Top Size M
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top
By Gianni Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Vintage Leopard Gold Textured Bra Bralette Bustier Crop Top Please note size tag is missing.
VERSACE Tribute 2017 Warhol SS 1991 Marilyn Monroe and James Dean T-shirt
By Versace
Located in Rubiera, RE
VERSACE Tribute 2017 WARHOL SS 1991 T-Shirt Limited Edition Size S Unisex Made in Italy Flat measures: Length cm. 65 Shoulders cm. 48 Bust cm. 49.5 Sleeve cm. 18.5 New with tag, nev...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1987 Vintage Bustier Cone Bra Leather Black Crop Top
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 1987 Vintage Bustier Cone Bra Leather Black Crop Top IT 38
Retro Gabardine Cowboy Shirt
Located in New York, NY
Retro Gabardine Cowboy Shirt in rayon twill from the 1950's. Graphic Black and white soft twill contrasting with snap MOP closures. Marked L, Womens size. 1950's USA.
PACO RABANNE The Iconic silver metallic disc short sleeves paillettes top M
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE The Iconic silver metallic disc short sleeves paillettes top M Reference: CNLE/A00519 Brand: Paco Rabanne Material: Plastic, Brass Color: Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: ...
Paco Rabanne top Winter 2013
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Knitted silvery-metallic top with a shirt collar and a press stud fastening. Size 44IT indicated, it fits a 40FR. 2013 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direct...
Paco Rabanne dickey necklace Winter 1990
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Dickey necklace made of blue and golden metallic pastilles tied with silvery rings. 1990-1991 Fall-Winter Collection. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 6...
Paco Rabanne top circa 2000
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metallic mesh backless top. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 34FR/36FR. A Collection from the early 2000s. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
Paco Rabanne bustier top Haute Couture 1979
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery galvanized cardboard armor-style bustier top moulded by hand. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR/38FR. 1979 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Not signe...
Paco Rabanne jewelry collar Fall-Winter 1981-1982
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Jewelry collar made of plastic shuttles, cristals, Swarovski Tyrol stones, and a silvery metal structure. Prototype from a Fashion show, 1981-1982 Fal...
PACO RABANNE Vintage Silver Metal Mesh Draped Backless Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Nice, FR
PACO RABANNE vintage silver tone metal mesh backless top with draped front. Metal tag PACO RABANNE Paris. Indicative measurements taken laid flat : mesh rectangle width approx. 52 ...
PACO RABANNE Museum Worthy Showpiece Angel Wings Sequin Top Corsage
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Berlin, BE
Spectacular Collectors Piece, Museum worthy. Stunning sculptural masterpiece by Paco Rabbanne, SS 1982. Wearable Art pure ethereal elegance. This sequin top is a celebration of avan...
Paco Rabanne Silvery Lurex Thread High-neck Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
RABANNE - Silvery lurex thread high-neck top with long sleeves. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width:...
Mesh tank top with flower print Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena (NEW with tag)
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Mesh tank top with flower print . NEW with tag SIZE 40 / M
Paco Rabanne Silvery Metal Chain Top
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metal chain top with rhinestones. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 40 cm - Length:...
Paco Rabanne Top in Silver and Golden Metal, 2003
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery and golden metal top. 38FR size indicated. 2003 Spring-Summer Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 50 cm - Le...