André Courrèges was a French fashion designer of the 20th century credited with modernizing fashion through his highly futuristic clothing. Born in 1923, he studied and worked in engineering until World War II, when he became a pilot. Afterwards he turned to fashion, joining the house of Balenciaga in 1951 and working his way up to first assistant before leaving in 1961 to start his own line.
A-line dress (Object ID #1993.05) exemplifying the clean lines, shorter skirt, and architectural detailing at the yoke common to Courrèges designs
Courrèges did well through the 1960s and 1970s. His renowned "Space Age" collection in 1964 celebrated youth and movement with its crisp lines, its cheerful colors accenting luminescent whites, and its miniskirts and A-line dresses. The simple, bold lines of his garments recalled Balenciaga, but his color palette and modern aesthetic, including an emphasis on trousers and very short skirts for women, set him apart. Many of his garments include architectural features like notches or asymmetrical necklines. Accessories such as googles, helmets, and flat gogo boots recalled astronauts' equipment.
In 1968 Courrèges expanded by selling half of his company to L’Oréal, opening boutiques across the world, and entering into mass-market manufacturing. Personally he thrived as well, marrying Coqueline Barrière, whom he’d met at Balenciaga, and having a daughter, Marie.
By the 1980s, though, fashion was moving on from the shiny futurism of Courrèges and Pierre Cardin, and by 1986 Courrèges had been removed from the French official couture list. In the mid-1990s he regained control of his company, but he soon retired due to Parkinson's disease. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac designed two collections for Courrèges in 1993-94 (see the final item below for an example). The brand continued in the 2010s under the ownership of Jacques Bungert and Frédéric Torloting, with new designers. Courrèges died in 2016.
