Paco Rabanne, the Metallurgist of Fashion, Dies at 88

Words by Retail Bum

Paco Rabanne, the Metallurgist of Fashion, Dies at 88
Paco Rabanne, the Metallurgist of Fashion, Dies at 88

Celebrated fashion designer Paco Rabanne passed away at the age of 88 on Friday.

Rabanne, known for his perfumes and metallic, space-age designs, is remembered as a rebel designer who was once frowned upon for his criticism of haute couture in Europe but applauded at the same time for his unique chain-mail aesthetic in the U.S.

The Spanish designer grabbed attention for making dresses and accessories from Rhodoid plastic disks and metal, which inspired designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Miuccia Prada, Thierry Mugler, and Yves Saint Laurent to follow his lead.

He expanded into the perfume business in 1969 through a collaboration with Puig, which today owns and operates the Paco Rabanne brands, as well as others such as Nina Ricci and Jean Paul Gaultier.

“Paco Rabanne made transgression magnetic,” said José Manuel Albesa, president of Puig’s fashion and beauty division. “Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamor for dresses made of plastic and metal? Who but Paco Rabanne could imagine a fragrance called Calandre — the word means ‘automobile grill,’ you know — and turn it into an icon of modern femininity?”

The famed designer decided to retire from fashion in 1999 after presenting his last and 33rd couture show. Since then, he has been rarely seen in the public eye. However, his legacy has and will continue to live.

Photo credit: Paco Rabanne

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