Paco Rabanne started his career as a jewelry designer for fashion houses Givenchy, Dior, and Balenciaga before launching his own label in 1966. His first collection, titled "12 Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials," sums up his philosophy that "the only new frontier left in fashion is the finding of new materials." Throughout his career, Rabanne experimented with everything from plastic and aluminum to fiberglass and paper to create futuristic, eccentric, yet highly influential garments.

"I defy anyone to design a hat, coat or dress that hasn't been done before. The only new frontier left in fashion is the finding of new materials."