Rabanne was a trained architect turned fashion designer. His architectural background led him to use disks cut from metal or plastic, linked with wire and other interesting techniques when he created his fashions.

Before opening his own fashion house in 1966 he created buttons and jewellery for Givenchy, Dior and Balenciaga. In his hi-tech period, he produced tiny metal, vinyl and plastic link dresses. These fashion experiments were important in pushing the boundaries of acceptable clothing to wear on the street. 

Rabanne created his clothing by laying a woman on a table and shaping the metal parts directly on her body. This prompted Coco Chanel to remark that he was not so much a couturier but a metalworker.

In 1966 Rabanne created his version of the moon-girl look in Perspex and metal and also plastic and acrylic. Rabanne will be remembered for his 1969 gold metal sculptured dress. His work inspired outfits for the film Barbarella and his chain-mail outfits were featured in the film Who are you, Polly Magoo?

Last updated: June 01, 2003

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