1971 Documented Courreges Turquoise Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4-6 (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 33 in (83.82 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU55017167102
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Andrea Wilkin 1970s Silk Ivory Fantasy Bridal Dress in Edwardian StyleBy Andrea WilkinLocated in London, GBThis exquisite Andrea Wilkin 1970s fantasy bridal gown in soft ivory exudes femininity and is in wonderful condition. Layers of silk fabric are beautifully arranged to create the cla...Category
1970s British Wedding Dresses
- 1930s Antique White Silk Dress With Gold Silk Thread StripesLocated in London, GBThis sensational 1930s ivory silk gown with gold horizontal stripes absolutely exudes glamour and elegance. The fabric on the bodice is very finely gathered at the centre, creating a...Category
1930s Unknown Wedding Dresses
- 1970s Blue and Red Rose Print Silk Jersey DressLocated in London, GBThis late 1970s to early 1980s French couture silk jersey maxi dress has a beautiful blue and red rose print design against a darker blue background. It has a high, round neckline an...Category
1970s French Maxi Dress
- 1960s Sea Foam Green Silk Gazzar Embellished Couture DressLocated in London, GBThis pale seafoam green/blue dress is a very regal example of late 1960s haute couture evening wear. Cut in a classic and flattering A-line ...Category
1960s European Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1970s Purple Butterfly Fortuny Style Empire Line DressLocated in London, GBThis pretty 1970s purple empire line dress with butterfly motif has a bohemian, summery feel. The full length dress is comprised of a fine rayon fabr...Category
1970s Unknown Day Dresses
- Pierre Balmain 1950s Haute Couture Cream Jacquard Two Piece Bridal SetBy Pierre BalmainLocated in London, GBThis timeless 1950s New Look style Haute Couture two piece by Pierre Balmain is in impeccable condition with exceptional line and form. The soft cream jacquard fabric is embossed wit...Category
1950s French Vintage Bridal Gowns
- 1990S ALBERTA FERRETTI Cream Bias Cut Silk Charmeuse & Tulle Lace Empire Waist 1By Alberta FerrettiLocated in New York, NY1990S ALBERTA FERRETTI Cream Bias Cut Silk Charmeuse & Tulle Lace Empire Waist Bridal Gown With Embroidered SleevesCategory
1990s Italian Wedding Dresses
- UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford FW 2004 Black Silk & Tassle Evening Gown Dress 40By Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in Switzerland, CHRARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM STUNNING PIECE BY TOM FORD FOR HIS FINAL COLLECTION IN FALL 2004 FOR GUCCI Seen on the runway show, in the AD campaign and in many editorials One of the key...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 1996 Black Jersey Dress Gown w Pony Hair Belt 42By Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXVintage Runway Tom Ford for Gucci Black Jersey Dress Gown F/W 1996 Collection Designer size - 42 Black Jersey, Fully Lined, Slip-on Style. Black Pony Hair Belt...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1990S HELMUT LANG Off White Silk Organza Dress Overlaid With Zipper & PailetteBy Helmut LangLocated in New York, NY1990S HELMUT LANG Off White Silk Organza Dress Overlaid With Zipper & Pailette LaceCategory
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Muir Long Dress Black Jersey Asymmetric Hem with Plunge Neckline VintageBy Jean MuirLocated in Port Saint Lucie, FLFabulous Jean Muir! This understated yet stunning long maxi dress features Muir's signature design elements: flowing jersey fabric, tons of movement and figure-flattering constructio...Category
1970s British Maxi Dress
- 1960s Bernetti Citrine Silk Opera Coat & Dress Ensemble w Extravagant BeadworkLocated in Gresham, ORA fabulous Bernetti 1960s 2 piece evening ensemble: Citrine silk opera coat and column dress with extravagant hand-sewn beadwork and rhinestone embroi...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns