Iconic fashion pieces revealed by a Paco Rabanne auction

by La rédaction.

An exclusive Paco Rabanne auction

Following a memorable auction hosted by Maurice Auction earlier this year in January, spotlighting Martin Margiela’s early designs, it’s now Penelope’s turn to celebrate the legacy of another great designer: Paco Rabanne.

When he first met Kathy Jean-Louis in the late 1970s, the couturier saw in the young high schooler the muse he had long awaited. Paco Rabanne (who passed away in January 2023) built many of his collections around her, drawing endlessly from her energy and personality.

Stemming in part from Kathy Jean-Louis’ archives, this sale is live until May 5, 2025. It pays tribute to a twenty-year-long unbreakable friendship. Featuring haute couture ensembles, long necklaces, earrings, bold bracelets, shoes, and garments from the 1960s and 1970s, the event highlights a major chapter in fashion history.

Rare vintage pieces

Among the most remarkable items is a salmon-pink evening gown from the haute couture collections, featuring a billowing silk crêpe skirt and a bodice adorned with metallic paillettes. Another standout is a spectacular wedding dress in silver lamé silk from Spring–Summer 1984.

Also notable is a haute couture silhouette from Fall–Winter 1983–1984. Crafted from draped black jersey, this long gown is embellished with a delicate glass-bead brooch.

Mais notre lot favori, dans un registre complètement différent, est issu de la collection printemps-été 1998. Portée sur le podium par la top-model Gisele Bündchen, cette tenue évoque l’esprit des années 20. Caractérisée par une base en tulle transparent et dentelle fine, elle est ornée, là encore, de minuscules détails métalliques, lui conférant brillance et raffinement.

And of course, we can’t overlook the iconic mesh dresses and bags—signature pieces that will go to the highest bidder.

Paco Rabanne Auction. Kathy Jean-Louis & Others Collection unntil May 5, 2025, on drouot.com.