Long described as "l"enfant terrible' of the fashion world of the 1960s, Paco Rabanne has today evolved into a name that is synonymous with taste, style, and edginess. Though still a staple on runways and a presence in the top department stores and boutiques, the fashion house has evolved over time and is today upheld as a street chic label.
The Story
Born in Spain in the 1930s, Rabanne did not have an easy youth. His father was murdered by Francoist troops and he and his mother were forced to flee their homeland for France in 1939. He studied architecture but moved into fashion instead.
Interestingly enough, his fashion career did not start with the creation of garments for men and women but was instead as a designer working with Dior, Givenchy, and Balenciaga to craft custom jewellery. His success inspired him to open his own fashion house, and the influences of his early years were instantly observable.
He was known for integrating unusual materials such as metal and plastic in a dress or paper in a blouse. This gave him that reputation as one to challenge boundaries, and it also garnered him offers from filmmakers to create innovative costumes. He was brought to world attention for this work when he designed the unforgettable outfits seen in the infamous science fiction film Barbarella.
Almost concurrent with this expansion of his career, he was working with a perfume firm to begin designing his own fragrances. By 1976 he was ready to construct his own factory and his scents continue to be among the biggest sellers in the world.
His innovation is also seen in costumes and design that he provides for Mylene Farmer, a famous French singer who frequently performs vibrant floor shows. In 2013, the designer did step down from creative direction and Julien Dossena was named as his replacement.
The Products of Paco Rabanne
Today, his name still remains synonymous with the top fragrances. The range available include the "classics" as well as the newest scents inspired by fashion, media and even their designer's interest in the supernatural:
- Calandre - The first fragrance launched by the firm in 1969, it is citrusy with hints of hyacinth and woody notes. It is elegant and active and remains one of the most popular scents on the market. Available as an eau de toilette.
- Paco Rabanne Pour Homme - The first men's fragrance, it features a distinguished blend of thyme, clove, tobacco and hints of floral accents that make it charming and elegant. Available as an eau de toilette spray, after shave, and deodorant.
- Ultraviolet - A unisex fragrance with hints of chili pepper, jasmine, and amber, it is sophisticated and light. Available as an eau de parfum for women and for men as an eau de toilette and deodorant.
- XS - A highly masculine scent with hints of bergamot, juniper, cedarwood and spice. It is available as an eau de toilette, after shave, shower gel, and deodorant.
- Black XS - A broader line of fragrances that include the signature scent, Black XS for Her, Black XS L'exces, Black XS L'exces for Her, and Black XS Potion.
- Million - Another line of fragrances that includes the Lady Million Eau My Gold, 1 Million Intense, Lady Million, 1 Million Absolutely Gold, and 1 Million.
- Invictus - A men's fragrance with marine hints that are deepened with patchouli, by, guaiac wood and citrus. It is available as an eau de toilette, after shave, balm, shampoo, and deodorant.
Fashion is also still a huge part of the work done by the house of Paco Rabanne and in addition to their haute couture collections for runway shows and their ready to wear looks, there is also a resort collection each year as well.
For decades, Paco Rabanne has lived up to his earliest reputation as an innovator. Combining unusual materials, he also has inspired a line of fragrances that does the same. Taking scent to an art form and making it as much a fashion statement as the garments he designs, fans of this fashion house know that it is just as much an expression of their personality as their lifestyle.
Source
PaccoRabanne.com. House. http://www.pacorabanne.com/house