Courreges Color Block Dress 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: M, L (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 34 in (86.36 cm)Hip: 43 in (109.22 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 39 in (99.06 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Water Mill, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5116914852
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: Water Mill, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Versace Navy Bodycon Dress with Mesh Cut outsBy Versace, Donatella VersaceLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous navy light weight wool knit dress from Versace. It is fitted with as long sleeves and a crew neckline. The side waist from waist to hips have mesh covered horizontal cut ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- 1950s Sher Lee Silk Damask Dress with Watteau BackLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous blue on black chrysanthemum pattern silk damask dress by Sher Lee. It has a fitted bodice with spaghetti straps and an incredible ruched skirt...Category
1950s Canadian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Helmut Lang New Dress with Sequins 1990sBy Helmut LangLocated in Water Mill, NYA great navy blue dress by Helmut Lang. It is a simple crew neck sheath with a square black sequin covered center front panel from neckline to bust. It is unlined and has snaps clo...Category
1990s French Sheath Dresses
- Versace Color Block Dress with StudsBy VersaceLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous dress from Versace in purple and black silk jersey. It is sleeveless, semi fitted with a purple front panel and with insets of black along one side and front hem covered ...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Valentino Boutique Silk Disc Sleeve Dress 1980sBy Valentino Garavani, ValentinoLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous navy silk dress with tiny white dots dress from Valentino. The cap sleeves are incredible, the ends of them encircled with several 100 finished circles adding dimension a...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Pierre Cardin 1960s Iconic Metal Hardware Collar DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in Water Mill, NYAn amazing purple wool dress from Pierre Cardin. It is sleeveless, skims the body then flares subtly to midi length with a center front slit. Around the neckline is a stunning silver metal hardware...Category
1960s French Day Dresses
- F/W 1996 Gianni Versace Couture Purple Satin Yellow Lace Rhinestone Slip DressBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning yellow and purple satin Gianni Versace Couture dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this gorgeous dress debuted as part of l...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Purple Lavender Lightweight Cotton Voile Vintage 70s Wrap DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing 1970s purple and lavender lightweight cotton voile short sleeve wrap dress ! Features a vibrant regal purple with lavender ruffle details. Elastic waistband. Both colors on e...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Holly's Harp China Stencil Buttons Hand Painted Cold Shoulder Silk DressBy Holly HarpLocated in San Diego, CARare 70s HOLLY'S HARP purple hand painted boho cold shoulder dress ! Features a beautiful medium shade of purple. Hand painted tress, leaves and rainbows throughout. Vibrant colors o...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s UNGARO cobalt blue silk brocade mermaid gownBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Beverly Hills, CABeautiful Ungaro mermaid gown in black and cobalt silk lamé. Inspired by the finest 1950's French tradition, it has a fully boned corset and layers of bias cut ruffles to the floor....Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Michael Kors Collection Size 2 / 4 Purple + Black Color Block Sleeveles DressBy Michael KorsLocated in San Diego, CAWonderful mid 2000s $1,850 MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION black and purple color block sleeveless A -Line / Skater dress! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Hidden zipper up the ...Category
Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s Baron Peters Navy Blue + White Checkered Rayon Crepe Vintage 60s DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic mid 60s BARON PETERS for Dorothy Stead of Georgetown long sleeve navy blue and white rayon crepe dress! Dorothy Stead was a high end boutique in Geor...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses