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 1960s Chain Link Silver and Gold Metal Evening Bag Handbag Purse
By Paco Rabanne
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and iconic 1960s Paco Rabanne gold and silver metal chain link evening bag ! A true statement piece that successfully completes any outfit. In great condition Made in Italy Mea...
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
Paco Rabanne Metal Disc Bag circa 1969
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New Hope, PA
French designer Paco Rabanne is best known for his revolutionary 1968 dresses made from metal discs and rings. This rare handbag soon followed, made from th...
Paco Rabanne Paris Black Leather Shoulder Bag 1980s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in University City, MO
Paco Rabanne Paris Black leather shoulder bag c 1980s The classic saddle style shoulder bag is covered in supple black leather. Designed with twin leather shoulder straps The front exterior is adorned with a gilt metal emblem stamped Paco Rabanne PR Paris The interior is designed with two divided compartments Lined in black nylon covering with Paco Rabanne's name repeated throughout. The back exterior has a zipper compartment. The shoulder bag rest...
Vintage 1969 Paco Rabanne White Leather handbag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Vintage Paco 1969 Paco Rabanne handbag in white leather with acrylic and stainless steel hoops. This white leather tote reimagines minimalism through a sculptural, almost industrial ...
Paco Rabanne green leather bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Shiny emerald-color Alligator bag trimmed with silvery metal pierced pastilles, with a handle. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 20...
$2,116
Paco Rabanne bag '1969'
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) 1969-design bag made of articulated silvery metal pastilles. Not signed piece. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 15 cm - Width: 17 ...
Vintage 1969 Paco Rabanne Chainmail Shoulder Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1969 iconic Paco Rabanne chainmail shoulder bag. this vintage shoulder bag is constructed from the designer’s signature metal chainmail...
$247Sale Price|25% Off
PACO RABANNE Bucket black puzzle leather patch medium shoulder bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PACO RABANNE Bucket black puzzle leather patch medium shoulder bag Reference: ECLO/A00160 Brand: Paco Rabanne Model: Bucket Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Dra...
Shiny pink pellets connected by metal rings evening bag Paco Rabanne
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Shiny pink pellets connected by metal rings evening bag. No material composition tag but probably acrylic. SIZE :16CM X 10CM X 4CM Lenght of the shoulder strap : 103 cm
Paco Rabanne Vintage Silver Chainmail Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Paco Rabanne bag is crafted entirely from signature silver chainmail, creating a shimmering, fluid surface that moves beautifully...
A Paco Rabanne Evening Clutch in Khaki Leather and Pads Circa 1968
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1968 France Evening clutch or small shoulder bag in khaki leather and Crocodile imitation pads from the famous Designer House Paco Rabanne around 1968. Suede leather background...
Paco Rabanne Black Bucket Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Black leather bucket bag with silvery metal. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 26 cm - Diameter: 18 cm - Handle: 95 cm Selle...
Paco Rabanne Silver Nano Reedition Chainmail Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
A rare miniature Reedition from the Paco Rabanne revolutionary 1969 design, this nano bag is Crafted from interlinked silver-tone metal discs and rings suspended from an elongated ar...
Vintage 1969 Paco Rabanne Gold Two-Tone Metal Disc Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
An iconic 1969 Paco Rabanne bag. this vintage shoulder bag . Features interlinked metal discs in alternating shades of gold, bronze, and silver, the piece forms a supple chainmail st...
Paco Rabanne Red Leather Bag with Silvery Metal, 1960s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Red leather bag with silvery metal. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 24 cm - Height: 28 cm Period: 20th Century ...
Paco Rabanne Navy-Blue Calfskin Handbag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Navy-blue calfskin handbag with golden metallic pastille handle. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 17 cm - Height...
Paco Rabanne Black Leather Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne -(Made in Armenia) Black leather bag with silvery metal. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 30 cm - Height: 18 cm - Depth: 15 cm...
$1,176
Paco Rabanne handbag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in Italy) Black leather bag with a flap, leather pastilles, silvery metal rings, and a removable black leather strap. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Len...
Paco Rabanne Purse with Sheepskin Fur
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Tiny leather purse with sheepskin fur. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Diameter: 11 cm Seller Reference: ACC141
Paco Rabanne Reedition Black Disco Disc Nano Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
A rare miniature Reedition from the Paco Rabanne revolutionary 1969 design, this nano bag is Crafted from black round disco discs and rings suspended from an elongated articulated ch...
Paco Rabanne mini crossbody bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Mini black leather pastilles handbag with silvery metal rings and a removable silvery metal handle. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 9 cm - Height:...
Paco Rabanne Reedition 1969 Orange Resine Nano bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Paco Rabanne reedition 1969 orange nano bag. Crafted from vivid orange resin panels intricately connected by silver-tone metal rings, with an orange inner leather bag and a silver-to...
Paco Rabanne Silvery Leather Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - (Made in Italy) Silvery leather bag with mirror effect, edged with silvery metallic pastilles. White leather inside. Additional information: Condition: Good condition...
$1,034
Paco Rabanne leather bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in Italy) Half-moon shape leather bag edges enhanced with silvery pastilles. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 30 cm - Width: 40 cm - Depth: 3 cm -...
Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm Grey Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Experience the ultimate expression of refined travel luxury with the Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm, an exceptionally rare and sophisticated inter...
HERMES Gris Claire Feutre / Gold Swift leather PICOTIN 22 Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin 22 bag in Gris Claire (light grey) wool felt exudes understated elegance. Featuring Gold (camel) Veau Swift leather trims with contrasting white st...
French Deco Sequinned Mini Purse
Located in New York, NY
Miniature flapper dance purse of iridiscent sequins with gold tambour embroidery. Inside is a small mirror and pocket. France 1920's. 4" x 4", 10" chain E...
F/W 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Beige Snakeskin Ring Wristlet Mini Evening Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2001 collection by Tom Ford, this beige snakeskin mini bag features a structured silhouette and a distinctive ring-accented wristlet strap. The design is fin...
Andrew GN Multicolored Semi-precious Stones Bag F/W 2015
By Andrew Gn
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Andrew GN, the renowned Singapore-born designer celebrated for his luxurious and artistic creations, closed his design house after 28 years, marking the end of an era for his exquisi...
Andrew Gn Beaded Embroidered Chain Bag
By Andrew Gn
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite Andrew Gn handbag features a pink snake leather base adorned with intricate floral embroidery, brought to life through beads, sequins, and metallic accents in gold and...
Gianni Versace Vanitas Quilted Handbag
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Calling all Versace lovers! Circa mid 2000s, this handbag is crafted from white leather and features quilted stitching with the signature Versace Baroque...
Miu Miu matelassé bag new
By Miu Miu
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Miu Miu bag in silver matelassé leather with jewel closure Equipped with chain also silver-colored can be worn either over the shoulder or hand clutch bag New with box, dust and t...
Hermès Constance Brown and Gold 23 cm
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brown and gold Hermès Constance. Brown leather with gold hardware in excellent shape, with no odor or discoloration. One outside and one inner pocket. Collection from 1972.
$26,920
H 4 in W 2.25 in D 2 in
Chanel 2006 Spring Runway Vintage Mini Resin Pillbox Crossbody Clutch Minaudière
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel resin pillbox limited edition runway minaudière 2006 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Silver hardware Circular resin design with CC logo Black leather interior lining 2.25”W x 4”H x 2”D...
Vintage Gold Two-Way Minaudiere 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Gold Minaudiere Bag. Featuring a hard case purse designed in the style of a fabric purse and embellished with tiny applied crystals that co-o...
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Diamond Patterned Brown Alligator Clutch Mid Century Modern
By Mam'selle
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage mid century modern diamond patterned alligator clutch has gold toned hardware and closure. The different tones of brown supple alligator leather make this textura...
Paco Rabanne Metallic Linked Discs Iconic 1969 Moon Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Paco Rabanne Metallic Linked Discs Iconic 1969 Moon Bag Gold shoulder bag - a modern reimagining of the brand's classic 1969 aesthetic. Adorned with a distinctive cresc...
Silver metal chain bag PACO RABANNE
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver metal chain bag . Leather lining inside with one flat pocket. Magnet closure. New with tag. SIZE: 17cm X 12cm Depth = 2cm Chain lenght = 100cm
Rabbane Sparkle Discs Nano Sequin Shoulder/Clutch Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Rabbane Sparkle Discs Nano Sequin Shoulder/Clutch Bag Silver bag fully embellished with large, mirror-effect sequins. Featuring an open-top design and a removable chain ...
Vintage 1969 Paco Rabanne Gold Nano Shoulder Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
Rare vintage 1969 Paco Rabanne gold-toned metal medals and green crystal embellishments. Constructed from interlinked gold-tone metal discs, each adorned with vibrant green rhinesto...
Rabanne bag '1969 mini' 2020s
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Bag made of black rhodoid pastilles and golden metal studs. Reinterpretation of the iconic '1969' design, this bag was created in the 2020s under the artistic directio...
Paco Rabanne Bag, Exotic Leather and Metal Discs
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Exotic leather crossbody bag with silvery metal rings and pastilles. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 22 cm - Height: 24 cm - Depth: 4 cm - Handle: 90 c...
Paco Rabanne bag '1969'
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Golden metal bag made of metallic pastilles tied with rings. 1969 design. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Height: 16 cm - Width: 24 cm - Depth...
Paco Rabanne handbag Summer 2020
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metal pastille handbag with a silvery satin interior, and a removable silvery metal handle. 2020 Spring-Summer Collection. Condition: Good condition Dimensio...
Paco Rabanne bag 1969
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Tortoiseshell-color celluloid pastille bag with golden metal rings and fastener. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 22 cm - Height: 15 cm - Depth: 2 cm - ...
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Paco Rabanne bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Black patent leather bag with a green background. Condition: Decent condition Dimensions: Length: 29 cm - Height: 24 cm - Depth: 1 cm - Handle: 88 cm SKU:S134
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Paco Rabanne bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - (Made in France) Silvery metallic pastille bag. A 1969 design. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 22 cm - Height: 13 cm - Depth: 2 cm - Handle length...
Paco Rabanne Silvery Metallic Pastille Bag
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paco Rabanne - Silvery metallic pastille bag. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 9 cm - Height: 15 cm - Depth: 2 cm - Handle length: 120 cm ...