André Courrèges

Biography

André Courrèges studied civil engineering before switching to fashion, working under Balenciaga from 1950 to 1961. The engineering training shows in his work — his clothes are constructed like architectural objects, with seamed panels, sharp angles, and minimal ornament. He opened his own house in 1961. The spring 1964 collection introduced his Space Age aesthetic: white wool, vinyl, structured A-line shapes, the mini-skirt (he showed it knee-length first; the next collection went above the knee). The 1965 collection introduced the white plastic Courrèges flat boot and the architecturally precise white-and-silver evening pieces. He produced couture and ready-to-wear in parallel from 1967. The house was sold to L'Oréal in 1985 and went through several relaunch attempts; founder-era pieces (1961–1985) are the collected category. Courrèges died in January 2016.

Signature pieces

• White wool A-line mini-dress with central front seam (1964–1966)
• Courrèges flat boots in white vinyl
• Geometric vinyl cutout dresses
• 'Moon Girl' evening pieces (1965–1966)

Silhouette

• A-line silhouette with strong central front seam
• Square neckline, often with cutouts
• Engineered construction — geometric panels, visible seaming

Fabric repertoire

White wool gabardine (often double-faced) · White vinyl · Silver lamé for evening

Label history

Often the fastest way to date a piece.

Current market ranges

Ranges reflect 2024–2026 transaction data. Condition, provenance, and original labels remain dominant variables.

Authentication notes

• Engineering precision is the diagnostic — Courrèges seams are sharp and the geometric panels meet exactly.
• Original white wool is double-faced — the inside has the same crisp finish as the outside.
• Vinyl pieces have aged inconsistently; some have yellowed irreversibly.

Known forgery patterns

• Modern 'mod' reproductions are widely sold; construction precision distinguishes.

Museum holdings

• · Palais Galliera, Paris
• · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York
• · Kyoto Costume Institute

Primary sources

Public collections and archives we cross-reference for André Courrèges attribution. Search by maker name or browse the costume collection.

• [1]The Metropolitan Museum of Art — André Courrèges collection search
• [2]Victoria and Albert Museum — André Courrèges maker records
• [3]Palais Galliera (Paris Musées) — André Courrèges holdings
• [4]Kerry Taylor Auctions archive — André Courrèges lot history
• [5]Invaluable cross-auction archive — André Courrèges comparable sales

Adjacent designers