Thirty-eight exceptional Paco Rabanne pieces to be auctioned in Paris in July

Thirty-eight exceptional and little-known creations by the avant-garde designer Paco Rabanne are set to go under the hammer in Paris on July 7. The collection, valued at up to 5,000 euros per piece, has been held in storage by the Raoul Lalet workshops for six decades.

The pieces, dating from 1967 to 1969, showcase Rabanne's revolutionary approach to fashion. He boldly introduced unconventional materials such as aluminum, plastic, and paper, challenging the established norms of the 1960s fashion scene. His ability to realize these innovative designs relied on a network of skilled industrialists, technicians, and artisans.

Among his key collaborators was the Lalet firm, founded in Limoges in 1904. Initially specializing in shoe components, Lalet's artisans developed significant expertise in leatherwork. They perfected riveting techniques that allowed for the flexible and durable assembly of hundreds of geometric leather elements.

This collaboration between Rabanne and Lalet, possibly facilitated by Pierre Cardin, resulted in some of the designer's most iconic works. The upcoming auction features several exceptional pieces directly from the Lalet workshops, serving as a testament to this pivotal partnership. Notable items include two "Perú" model jackets, adorned with octagonal pieces of fluorescent orange, pink, and green leather, connected by metal hooks.