Born Rosa Elena García Echave in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she rose to prominence in the 1980s as a member of the performance group Peor Imposible. Her breakthrough into international cinema occurred through her work with director Pedro Almodóvar, becoming one of the iconic 'Chicas Almodóvar' known for her unconventional beauty and expressive performances.

Beyond her film career, de Palma has established herself as a muse in the fashion industry, collaborating with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. Her work often explores themes of identity, femininity, and the subversion of traditional beauty standards, utilizing her own persona as a primary medium for artistic expression.

While primarily celebrated for her screen presence, she continues to engage in multidisciplinary projects that bridge the gap between performance art, fashion, and cinema. Her career remains defined by her ability to transcend traditional acting roles to become a recognizable cultural icon in European contemporary media.