Paco Rabanne Metal Dress Kit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4-6 (US)
- Style:1920 (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:This is a kit to be assembled.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3779221235212
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Fit & Flare Dress in Iridescent Satin with Square Neck and 3/4 SleeveBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CAFit and flair dress with square-neck, 3/4 length sleeve. Originally designed for and worn by Adele. Great for holiday parties and dancing—a true party dress. Iridescent fabric in blu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses
- Multi French Brocade Slim Dress with Velvet Full SleeveBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CAWhat makes this slim evening dress special is its colorful French brocade with metallic gold highlights. A true couture textile with black silk velvet full sleeve in excellent condit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses
- Navy Double Faced Satin Gown with Embellished Upper Bodice and SleevesBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CAUnparallelled classic elegance! Forever! 100% Taroni navy silk gown in luxurious double faced satin with upper bodice and sleeve in embellished tulle. Double darts emphasize the wais...Category
2010s American Evening Gowns
- Gathered Blouson Gown in Pale Green Charmuese with Scattered Pink RosesBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CA100% Silk Charmeuse from Frontline Zurich..maker of Hermes scarves. Delightfully animated pink roses scattered throughout the pale green blouson dress. Front self tie belt which can...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Gowns
- Copper French Brocade Slim Dress with Roll Collar Neckline and Cap SleeveBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CARoll-collar slim dress with cap sleeves goes perfectly from day into evening. The floral motif gives it texture and a lovely iridescence. Interesting seaming in front and back with a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- V Neck Slim Dress and Jacket in Delightful Orange and Blue Floral PrintBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CAVibrant and Fun V neck Slim Dress Floral Dress with Coordinating Cropped Jacket in Vibrant Orange and Blue. Front Slit and Cinched Shoulder treatment. Perfect for day into evening,...Category
2010s American Cocktail Dresses
- Lilac & Multicolor Patbo One-Shoulder Floral Print Dress Size US 0Located in New York, NYLilac and multicolor floral print one-shoulder tiered ruffle dress by Patbo. Belt at waist. Zip closure at side. 26" bust, 24" waist, 51" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Emilio Pucci Blue Silk DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Paris, FREmilio Pucci blue silk jersey printed dress featuring an iconic geometric print, a front gathered detail. Composition: 100% silk Estimated size IT42/38fr/US6 /UK10 Made in Italy. In...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s A J Bari Vintage Silver Evening Dress w Puffed Gathered Sleeves & PocketsBy A.J. BariLocated in Portland, ORWe love this vintage A. J. Bari vintage dress from the 1980's. The dress is in a silver abstract pattern fabric and it has a gently pleated skirt, gather...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- Gucci S/S 2010 Unworn Bodycon Lace Up Bandage Grey Mini DressBy GucciLocated in Naples, FLGucci S/S 2010 Unworn Bodycon Lace Up Bandage Grey Mini Dress Size XSCategory
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2003 Corset Bustier Bra Bodycon Hook and Eye Black DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana Corset Bustier Bra Bodycon Hook and Eye Black Dress IT 38Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana Vintage Special Edition Bodycon Corset Black Mini DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana Vintage Special Edition Bodycon Corset Black Mini Dress IT 42 Dolce & Gabbana bodycon corset structured mini dress featuring lac...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mini Dress