About Courreges
The house of Courrèges was founded in 1961 by designer André Courrèges and his wife Coqueline, who previously worked under Balenciaga. Inspired by the sleek minimalism of Modernist architecture as well as the Space Race era, Courrèges introduced a radical new aesthetic with clean lines, modern proportions and experimental materials like PVC and metal.
The first handbag styles from Courrèges included angular, flat-topped designs with short straps made to be carried under the arm. Signatures included the cylindre bag, a straight, drum-shaped style, and the carré, a boxy, rigid clutch. By doing away with soft construction and embracing more industrial, high-tech materials, Courrèges handbags stood out from traditional leather accessories of the day.
Central to the Courrèges vision was the idea of clothing and accessories designed for the modern, liberated, active woman. This forward-thinking attitude was reflected in functional yet fashionable bags that were sleek and sporty. Understated elegance, youthful attitude and subtle futurism would come to define the Courrèges style.
Over the next decades under the helm of André and Coqueline, Courrèges continued to innovate in bag construction, finding inspiration in moon boots for puffy, quilted designs and using metal frames along with leather and fabric combinations. Significant innovations included backpacks, overnight travel bags, and early computer bags and carry-alls suited to new technology.
The Courrèges cylinder bag is one of the most iconic designs from the house, referenced again and again in subsequent collections. First debuting in 1963, the upright, minimalist cylindrical shape epitomized the Courrèges aesthetic and came to symbolize the modern, liberated woman. Offered in an array of colors and graphic prints, cylinder bags remain coveted vintage finds.
More recently, Courrèges was revived when the couple sold the company in 1985. Under new creative direction, Courrèges continues to reference mid-century origins while also evolving styles to suit contemporary lifestyles. Collaborations, like a 2018 capsule with French luggage brand Moynat, underline the enduring relevance of Courrèges innovation and futuristic vision.