Tributes have poured in for Paco Rabanne following the announcement of his death on Friday.
The Spanish designer, famed for sparking the Space Age aesthetic of the 1960s, died at his home in France, his company shared in a statement.
Rabanne’s designs have remained popular up until his death, after first establishing his fashion house in 1966, where he created ‘metal couture’ in new forms of opulent wear.
The fashion world has been left in mourning after hearing the news of the artist’s passing, and has shared reactions at the loss.
The chief executive of Spanish company Puig, who controls the Paco Rabanne brand, said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Paco Rabanne.
“A major personality in fashion, his was a daring, revolutionary and provocative vision, conveyed through a unique aesthetic."
José Manuel Albesa, president of Puig’s fashion and beauty division, added: “Paco Rabanne made transgression magnetic. Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamor for dresses made of plastic and metal?
“Who but Paco Rabanne could imagine a fragrance called Calandre – the word means ‘automobile grill,’ you know – and turn it into an icon of modern femininity?
“That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart: There is only one Rabanne. With his passing, we are reminded once again of his enormous influence on contemporary fashion, a spirit that lives on in the house that bears his name.”
Other names following up with tributes have included Lindsay Lohan, who posted prayer, heart and dove emojis, in response to the sad news on Instagram.
Model Stacey McKenzie recalled: “One of the nicest humbled designer I was fortunate to meet , hang out and modelled for. Thank you for being you Paco Rabanne, you will be missed dearly.”
The V&A Museum of Art and Design tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of designer @PacoRabanne.
“Originally trained as an architect, he radicalised elite fashion design in the 1960s through his playful use of materials. He will be missed.”
Rabanne retired from the fashion industry in 1999.
Before creating clothing, Rabanne made jewellery for fashion houses Givenchy, Dior and Balenciaga, where his mother previously worked as a seamstress.
Rabonne’s own iconic designs have received wide acclaim, and have been worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Beyonce and Dua Lipa.
