The History of Courrèges: A Revolution in the World of Fashion
Founded in 1961 in Paris by André and Coqueline Courrèges, the house of Courrèges shook up the 1960s by redefining feminine dress codes and injecting a dose of futurism and modernity into haute couture.
The Beginnings of an Avant-Garde Vision
André Courrèges, a former engineer and protégé of Cristóbal Balenciaga, spent ten years perfecting his craftsmanship at this great name before branching out. In 1961, he founded his own fashion house with a clear ambition: to counteract overly bourgeois fashion and restore a sense of freedom to women's wardrobes.
The context of the 1960s? A general rebellion, both musical and stylistic. With the arrival of the miniskirt designed by Mary Quant, the fashion revolution was underway: women were liberating themselves, and André Courrèges was there to support them with his bold, futuristic vision.
The Courrèges Revolution in Action: From Miniskirt to Icons
“Moon Girl” Collection: The Space Revolution
The real Courrèges revolution began in 1964 with its iconic collection “ The Moon Girl " Inspired by space exploration and technological advances, he imagined outfits with geometric cuts, using innovative materials like vinyl and PVC. Vibrant colors, minimalist design, and a touch of science fiction: this collection defined the futuristic style and propelled Courrèges to the forefront of the international scene.
The Miniskirt: When Fashion Shrinks to Better Liberate
While Mary Quant is often cited as the inventor of the miniskirt, André Courrèges is undoubtedly its great popularizer. In 1965, he presented modern miniskirts that caused a scandal... and a sensation! Even Gabrielle Chanel was offended (Calm down, Coco, it's going to be fine!). The shorter skirts became, the more daring and freedom women gained, with every centimeter removed being a small revolution in itself.
The icons of the era embraced it: Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Twiggy, Jackie Kennedy, Mireille Darc, and even your mother (yes, really!). A symbol of youth and novelty, the miniskirt became the standard-bearer of a generation in search of freedom. 
The Young Ladies of Rochefort From Angèle to Dua Lipa, Courrèges has transcended the decades with unparalleled freshness. Everyone wants Courrèges, and for good reason: its creations are timeless.
Heritage in motion: brand icons reimagined by Nicolas Di Felice
The Iconic Pieces:
- The little white dress: A futuristic response to Chanel's little black dress, it embodies chic purity.
- White cut-toe boots: Inspired by automobiles, they fascinate even a young Martin Margiela.
- The PVC miniskirt: Ultra-modern, adopted by the tallest.
At Courrèges, fashion is a celebration: we dance, we laugh, we live! André Courrèges wasn't inspired by the past, but imagined the future. And that feels good.
A Legendary Logo
The Courrèges logo, designed by André himself, plays with initials: the A for André and the C for Coqueline (how cute is that?). It's everywhere, especially on the heart side of the famous vinyl jacket. Nicolas Di Felice, artistic director since 2020, has retained the same logo, proof that fashion is an eternal cycle... and that Courrèges remains a must-have.
Why does Courrèges still inspire today?
In 2020, Nicolas Di Felice took the reins as artistic director. Drawing on the house's archives and “Space Age” DNA, he reinvented iconic cuts for the contemporary era while respecting its heritage. With him, Courrèges continues to take us into the future… while remaining faithful to its iconic past.
