Revolutionary couturier André Courrèges (1925–2016) 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 brand 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 Courrèges clothing, purses and other items on 1stDibs.
$565Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Andre Courreges Logo Ivory Visor Cap
By André Courrèges, Courrèges
Located in Paris, FR
1970s Andre Courreges logo print ivory visor cap featuring a logo print to the front, a curved peak, an adjustable snap fit and an inside navy coton terry band. Held on by wide elas...
$250
Size: none; one size fits most
Victorian Black Velvet and Silk Rose Mourning Bonnet w Velvet Ties - O/S, 1880s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Worn during the Victorian lady’s two-year mourning period, this petite hat telegraphed propriety and solemnity without sacrificing style. Featuring a stiff skullcap adorned with silk velvet bows and gathers, it is accentuated by silk ribbon roses. Best of all, despite its small size it can be perched on the head without the use of hat pins thanks to its velvet bonnet ties. Stiff Victorian half hat...
Louis Vuitton Neutral LV Fleur Logo Bicycle Helmet PM 62lk322s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Dix hills, NY
Louis Vuitton Neutral LV Fleur Logo Bicycle Helmet PM 62lk322s Date Code/Serial Number: GI0648 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10.5" Width: 8.5" Height: 7" OVERALL NEW COND...
$150
Size: none; comparable to one size
Navy Straw Petite Saucer Hat with Integrated Ribbon Bonnet – O/S, 1930s
Located in Tucson, AZ
The embodiment of 1930s millinery, this petite saucer reflects the decade’s focus on small, cheerful hats perched playfully on the head. What makes it unique is its ingenious use of ...
1970s Fox Fur Ushanka Hat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1970s toffee and white fox fur Ushanka hat. Gold satin quilted interior. Ear flaps can be tie and worn up. Excellent vintage condition. Made in Finland. 20" diameter.
Vintage 1960's pink satin turban 1960s pink turban hat beaded cocktail hat
Located in Nashville, TN
Rendered in the most eye-catching shade of pink satin, this beautiful 1960's pleated turban hat, embellished with silver beaded appliqués, is the perfect finishing touch to your outf...
1940s Straw Hat w/Red Flowers
Located in Alford, MA
Wide-brimmed natural straw hat w/wide navy velvet band and red fabric roses. Small high crown perches on top of head, does not pull down, lined in taffeta. Wide brim, 5 1/2 inches at...
Emilio Pucci S/S 2005 Rainbow Printed Cotton Cap Baseball Hat
By Emilio Pucci
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
From Christian Lacroix’s exuberant tenure at Emilio Pucci, this S/S 2005 printed cap captures the designer’s joyful collision of heritage and youthful modernity. Made in Italy, the six-panel silhouette is crafted from structured cotton and emblazoned with one of the season’s signature psychedelic prints - a kaleidoscope of lemon, lilac, turquoise, and coral outlined in bold black, signed with the hand-drawn Emilio signature. Lacroix’s direction for Pucci in this period celebrated colour and movement, infusing the house’s 1960's jet-set spirit with a 21st-century energy. This cap exemplifies that vision - playful yet refined, graphically psychedelic yet unmistakably luxurious. A rare and collectible accessory from a pivotal creative chapter in Pucci’s history. Reference Photos: (1-2) Pucci S/S 2005 Fashion...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche “Russian Collection” Knit Wool Hat FW 1976
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Genève, CH
A meticulously crafted Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche hat from the iconic Fall/Winter 1976-77 “Russian Collection.” This knit piece features a rich medley of oranges, reds, brown, a...
Christian Dior "Boutique" Woven Beige "Newsboy" Cap
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior "Boutique" fully-lined woven beige "Newsboy" cap measures 23" in circumference on the interior. Fully-lined and accented with a 1" ribbon...
Vintage 1930's Percher Hat black Straw Yellow Floral 1930's Tilt Hat Millinery
Located in Nashville, TN
This beautiful and timeless 1930's straw and floral hat, is a rare piece to behold. The elegant black woven straw base, boasts an oval shaped crown which is framed by a soft turned ...
GUCCI Vintage brown GG monogram leather trim bucket hat L
By Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Vintage brown GG monogram leather trim bucket hat L Reference: KNCN/A00035 Brand: Gucci Material: Fabric, Leather Color: Beige, Brown Pattern: Monogram Lining: Brown Fabric Mad...
$88Sale Price|60% Off
CHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari pastel lingerie mouse cheese acrylic hair clips X7
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari pastel lingerie mouse cheese acrylic hair clips X7 Reference: ANWU/A00302 Brand: Alexandre de Paris Designer: Alexandre Zouari Material: Acrylic, Metal C...
1970s Andre Courreges Logo Blue Visor Cap
By Courrèges, André Courrèges
Located in Paris, FR
1970s Andre Courreges logo print blue visor cap featuring a logo print to the front, a curved peak, an adjustable fit. Held on by wide elastic band. B...