Documented Courrèges Haute Couture Wool Set, Fall-Winter 1969-1970
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:France
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Geneva, CH
- Reference Number:
André Courrèges
Revolutionary couturier André Courrèges made a name for himself on the buzzy Paris fashion scene of the 1960s with audacious Space Age designs that pointed to the future. The world of haute couture credits him with toppling the conservative standards assigned to feminine clothing back then and propelling a movement that celebrated a more revealing brand of women's attire — including chic miniskirts, his iconic white ankle boots and often whimsical dresses with necklines that turned heads.
While vintage André Courrèges suits, jackets and other apparel garnered the designer ample praise, he wasn’t confined to producing clothing. He is also widely revered for creating some of the era’s most stylish accessories, like his offbeat, goggles-esque sunglasses and distinctive scarves, which boasted lively patterns and an alluring range of Pop art colors and pastels.
Born in the French Pyrenees, Courrèges wanted to become an artist at an early age, but his father steered him into engineering. Though successful as an engineer, Courrèges pivoted to fashion. He moved to Paris and worked briefly for couturiere Jeanne Lafaurie. In 1948, he took a job with Cristóbal Balenciaga, and within a couple of years, he had ascended to the role of Balenciaga’s first assistant.
While working for Balenciaga, Courrèges met dressmaker Coqueline Barrière, whom he would later marry. In 1961, the couple established their own fashion house, where they collaborated as creative partners for the remainder of the designer’s life.
Courrèges was among the designers who ushered in the rise of ready-to-wear. He favored figure-hugging silhouettes and geometric shapes, and looked to the work of architect Le Corbusier — a like-minded proponent of simplicity and clean lines. Alongside innovators such as Mary Quant, Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin — the latter's futuristic looks were catnip for the free-spending consumers of the postwar years — Courrèges explored ways to outfit women with comfortable everyday wear, working with forward-looking materials such as plastic and polyvinyl chloride in his unadorned dresses of stark white. Mexican socialite and Harper’s Bazaar editor Gloria Guinness, pop star Françoise Hardy and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy were among some notable names to wear Courrèges originals.
By the mid-1960s, Courrèges had risen to the top of his industry, and there were many imitators. He took strict control of production at his namesake label, only allowing distribution through licensed sellers. He and Coqueline sold off part of the company in 1968 to L'Oreal, and by the early 1970s, Courrèges had more than 100 boutiques worldwide, also expanding into fragrances and menswear. In 1983, the couple restored themselves to full ownership of the company and in 2011 sold the company to French advertising executives Jacques Bungert and Frédéric Torloting. Artémis, which controls the global luxury group Kering, acquired a minority stake in the Courrèges brand in 2015 and took full control three years later.
Find vintage André Courrèges clothing, purses and other items on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Geneva, Switzerland
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Yves Saint Laurent New Studded Suede GlovesBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Geneva, CHUnusual, never worn 80’s YSL black gloves, probably a prototype or a runway model, with gold metal pyramid studs which are enhancing the forearms. Unlined, the...Category
1980s French Gloves
- Yves Saint Laurent New Suede Gauntlet GlovesBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Geneva, CHBeautiful never worn 80’s YSL fuchsia gloves trimmed in matching leather diagonal stitching. Both gloves was linked by the original sealing thread. "Yves S...Category
1980s French Gauntlets
- Agnelle Wool & Leather & GlovesLocated in Geneva, CHEstablished since 1937, the French Agnelle house is a luxury glove-manufacturer. These refined black soft wool (probably mixed with cashmere) and leather ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Gloves
- Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Perforated "CC" Fingerless Leather GloveBy Chanel, Karl LagerfeldLocated in Geneva, CHImpossible not to think of Karl Lagerfeld while seeing this Chanel fingerless glove ! Inseparable from Karl's iconic look, mittens are natural...Category
2010s French Gloves
- Hermes "Chapeau !" Silk Plisse Scarf, 1990By HermèsLocated in Geneva, CHDesigned by Annie Faivre and issued in 1990, “Chapeau !” is a rare Hermès scarf, even more in its accordion version ! Such version is a classic Hermè...Category
1990s French Scarves
- 2003 Hermes "Boogie Woogie" Silk Twill Carré ScarfLocated in Geneva, CHShades of blue and turquoise for this "Boogie Woogie" silk twill Carré scarf by Sophie Koechlin. Original Hermes box not included. Dimensions : approx. 90 x 90 cm (35.4 x 35.4 i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Pair of Gloves of Embroidered White leather - Circa 1950/1960Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1950-1960 France Beautiful pair of ceremonial gloves in white chamois leather with unreadable French stamp inside and dating from the 1950s. Elegant embroidery of black cotton pellets using...Category
1950s French Gloves
- Yves Saint Laurent Chic Embossed Purple Leather Gloves Size 7 c 1980sBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in University City, MOYves Saint Laurent Chic embossed purple leather gloves c 1980s The stylish gloves are designed with muted dark purple embossed leather that emulates reptile skin The exterior undern...Category
Late 20th Century French Gloves
- Carlos Falchi Vintage Long Purple Leather Gloves w/ Pointillism Style FlowersBy Carlos FalchiLocated in Portland, ORThese stunning vintage leather gloves were designed by Carlos Falchi and were made in Italy. The gloves are purple leather with hand painted poi...Category
1990s Italian Gloves
- Hermes Gloves Vintage Wrist Length Raisin Chaine D'Ancre Palladium Hardware 7By HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic vintage Hermes wrist length lambskin gloves. Rich Raisin with signature Chaine D'Ancre silver link detail at the wrist. Stamped HERME...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Gloves
- Torso Creations "Celestial Hippie" Airbrushed Vintage Caramel Leather GlovesBy Torso CreationsLocated in Gresham, ORTorso Creations "Celestial Hippie" airbrushed vintage caramel leather gloves. Jersey lined. Size 7.5Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gloves
- Hermes Diva Glove and Mitten Set in Gris Cashmere / Silk MBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Dive Glove and Mitten Set featured in Gris. Exquisitely soft and light warm Cashmere and Silk. Palladium plated Clou de Selle on each piece. Please see th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Gloves