1970's Courreges Cut-out Back Maxi Dress
View Similar Items
1970's Courreges Cut-out Back Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Water Mill, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU140301511177
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.
- Louis Feraud Beaded Silk Gown 1990sBy Louis FeraudLocated in Water Mill, NYThis is a gorgeous sapphire blue sequin and beaded gown by Louis Feraud. It has a rounded neckline in the front with a deep V in the back. The chest, upper arms and back V are fra...Category
1990s German Evening Gowns
- B. H. Wragge Studded Linen Dress 1970Located in Water Mill, NYA fabulous orange linen dress covered in 100s of small gold metal studs from B. H. Wragge, the label is dated 1970. It is a simple sleeveless A line dress with a small stand up colla...Category
1970s American Day Dresses
- Jean Varon Colorblock Maxi Dress 1970sBy Jean VaronLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous purple and mustard wool maxi dress by Jean Varon. It has a standup collar, long sleeves and a long flaring skirt. There is a striped mustar...Category
1970s English Maxi Dresses
- Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Dress 1980sBy Ted Lapidus Haute Couture, Ted LapidusLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk dress from Ted Lapidus. It has long sleeves, a stand up collar and light shoulder padding. There is a beautiful design in silver and white sequins outlined in...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Geoffrey Beene Boutique Silk Dress 1960sBy Geoffrey Beene Boutique, Geoffrey BeeneLocated in Water Mill, NYA charming silk dress in a pink/black check from Geoffrey Beene. It has a black Peter pan collar, side seam pockets, black button cuffs on long sleeves and round black decorative but...Category
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace Couture Color Block Dress with Leather TrimBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. The long sleeve bodice crosses in the front creating an adjustable neckline. It has a tan colored leather inset around...Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- Adolfo Tropical Silk Jersey Strapless Dress with Half CapeletBy AdolfoLocated in New York, NYAdolfo strapless dress with bold green, indigo and white tropical floral print. Wonderfully tailored, with fitted bodice and draped open tulip front slit above the knee for movement...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Pastel Silk Chiffon Day / Evening DressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYPretty pastel silk chiffon Leonard of Paris special occasion day / evening dress. Bodice has a ruffled capelet that flows from the center of the dress...Category
Late 20th Century French Day Dresses
- Leonard of Paris Fuschia Multi Color Silk Chiffon Strapless GownBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYVintage Leonard of Paris bright and flirty ruffled silk chiffon cocktail dress / evening gown, unmarked size, approximately US 6. Featuring four layer...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Moschino Rare Teddy Valley of the Dolls - Runway DressBy Moschino CoutureLocated in Iba, PHMoschino RTW Spring 2017, Valley of the Dolls. One of Jeremy Scott's collection of life-size paper doll clothes. The trend has taken hold in a major way ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- F/W 1994 Chanel Black & White Faux Fur Mini Dress by Karl LagerfeldBy Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in Concord, NCChanel by Karl Lagerfeld black and white faux fur mini dress from the Fall Winter 1994 collection and as seen on the runway on Naomi Campbell. Ultra rare faux fur dress from the F/W...Category
1990s European Day Dresses
- ALAÏA 1990 black knitted mini dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHAlaïa knitted mini dress with sheer raised edge skirt -Back closing with a hidden set zipper -Long sleeves -Nude knitted lining -Made in Italy -100% V...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dress