Celebrating Paco Rabanne's Impact on Fashion

The 2020s have seen the loss of many iconic designers, recently counting Paco Rabanne among the late greats. Rabanne, born in 1934 in Spain's Basque Country, was an integral designer during the youthquake fashion movement of the 1960s, creating a space-age aesthetic that continues to transcend the trend cycle. 

Rabanne's first experience with couture came from his mother, who worked as a seamstress for fellow Basque fashion icon Cristobal Balenciaga. After receiving a degree in architecture from L'École Nationale des Beaux-Arts, Rabanne began his career in fashion as a jewelry designer, working with brands like Dior and Givenchy. The designer also worked for Pierre Cardin, where he developed his penchant for unorthodox materials, and founded his penchant for unorthodox materials, and founded his eponymous brand in 1966.

By 1969, Rabanne's ornate beading, metalwork, and jewelry were prominently featured in the pages of L'OFFICIEL. 

Out-of-this-world looks using chainmail and plastic were used to create glamorous skirts and dresses that doubled as accessories, and that still reflect the fashion zeitgeist of today. 

In June, the maison rebranded itself simply as Rabanne, honoring its founder while expanding its reach into fragrance and makeup. Creative director Julien Dossena, who celebrates his 10th anniversary at the house this fall, remains at the helm. Inspired by Calandre, Rabanne'd first fragrance from 1969, the new logo will pay homage to the man, the decade, and the simplicity of innovation that changed it all. 

Some of Rabanne's more outsized looks still hold relevance today. Sydney Sweeney is confirmed to pick up Jane Fonda's mantle in the upcoming Barbarella, and sculptural silver delights were found on the runways at Dilara Findikoglu, Alexander McQueen, Off-White, and Rick Owens.