I <3 Courrèges
a book, a magazine, some resale links
I haven’t done this kind of post in a while — I missed it! Today’s focus: a book I like, a magazine I like, a brand I like with, and some resale links: Courrèges.
The book that inspired this post is Courrèges by Valérie Guillaume. I have the German edition, Courrèges: Magier der Mode. It’s a short and sweet read, but what really makes it special to me are the beautiful images. I’ve shared a few of my favorites below.
Why am I thinking about Courrèges right now?
Because I just picked up the latest issue of Fantastic Man and read their interview with Nicolas Di Felice, Courrèges’ creative director since 2020. I’ve included some highlights here, but the whole piece is worth reading if you’re looking for a magazine to flip through this weekend.
What do I know about Courrèges?
Well, André Courrèges was the French designer who brought a bold, futuristic look to fashion, winning fans like Catherine Deneuve and Jacqueline Kennedy. The king of the space ladies? I like what Carla Sozzani, the owner of the Milanese boutique 10 Corso Como, once said: “If the words ‘modern’ and ‘future’ exist in fashion, it is because of Courrèges.” After training with Balenciaga, Courrèges opened his own fashion house in 1961 and became known for his clean, innovative designs that kind of defined the 1960s. He created mini A-line skirts, mini A-line dresses, and sleek trouser suits in white and silver, along with mid-calf boots, goggles, and catsuits. Rrr!
I also read in The NYT some time ago that Courrèges really liked (!) knees and also believed in sharp, neat, tailored trousers for women. He was also very much into the modernist architect Le Corbusier and treated his studio more like a lab for experiments. Courrèges rejected anything that restricted movement, like bras, corsets, or high heels. He said, “In 10 years, bras will be as forgotten as whalebone corsets are today.” Ugh! I hope! So tired of bras. Send me a motivational message telling me to “stop wearing them, who cares”, please!
Sometimes I also like to pretend my French is fluent and I sit in my kitchen and watch this interview. Sometimes I also remember this quote by him: “I transferred all my frustrations into a boundless love of sports.”What else do I know about Courrèges?
Well, I know that it’s a brand I can’t see myself wearing..like..ever. Mostly! Sadly! To me, it feels more like something to admire from a distance (or online), like art. But, still, I do have some resale stuff from Courrèges. Stuff like: a wool sweater. I am so fun! I also have a little piece of merch from one of the Courrèges fashion shows — it came with an issue of System magazine. It’s this tiny envelope with a tiny key that says “Courrèges.” It pairs perfectly with my tiny stone that says “Issey Miyake.” (Remember?)
Anyway, that’s what I do have. What I don’t have: a lamp, a kettle, savings, a plan for life.
Moving onto pics and links!
Pics from the book:
Excerpts from the magazine:
Stuff from resale for you from….Etsy:
I haven’t hung out on Etsy in forever. Good distraction from Vestiaire (however, I must say, there’s loads of Courrèges all over resale). As always, these are just normal links. As always, feel free to let me know if I can help you with something specific. As always, I hope this brings some inspiration.
White short-sleeve turtleneck for EUR60. In other words, exactly the kind of stuff I’d get.
1980s space-y ski jacket for EUR247. In other words, exactly the kind of stuff I could never pull off but maybe you can. If you can, you should!
Or this 1970s red scuba jumpsuit for EUR250. Please tell me how and when and on which occasion one could wear this??
Vintage beige A-line wool skirt for EUR 104.
Ok, this one I love! Wow! Ribbed wool set in pink for EUR 185. For someone I can then admire.
Oh, I used to have this tote bag! I gave it to a friend!
Sheer turtleneck in brown for EUR150.
Great mini skirt for EUR75.
Some funky sunglasses for EUR119.
Vintage sweatshirt in navy for EUR141.
Wool flare pants in navy for EUR135.
A pretty cool hooded jacket for EUR76.
Peacoat in a delightful baby blue for EUR140.
Ok, one bonus from Vestiaire: I’d love to wrap myself in this coat!
And voilà!
I love Courreges! I read about him in a book a fashion through the ages, then found a skirt by him in a thrift store! 💕 It was $5.00! It’s a cobalt blue pencil skirt, 100% wool, made in France, size B (lol). Totally gorgeous and a little piece of history.
Loved this fun article, thanks, Anni!💙
Wow! The ski jacket is stunning