Pantsuit

André Courrèges

ca. 1968 · wool · Costume Institute

After mastering the art of tailoring while working as an assistant designer to Balenciaga, Courrèges opened his own house in 1961, specializing in haute couture that befitted the youth quake movement. Restraint in women's dress was thrown aside in the 1960s, as miniskirts dominated fashion and exposed the leg. Courrèges embraced this new freedom and incorporated clean, geometric lines into his designs to exhibit youth. Greatly influenced by the future, he introduced his Space Age collection in 1963. White was a favorite color, as well as those that were extremely bold and bright. His minimal designs came to life when worn and it is easy to see his models bounding down the runway in a minidress or pantsuit worn with boots, a bonnet, goggles or both. This pantsuit embodies Courrèges design aesthetic. The cut of the top and the pants have a futuristic feel, and the detailed self piping is extremely minimalist. The bright color adds youth to the piece, making it playful and fun.

Artist

André Courrèges

Date

ca. 1968

Medium

wool

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Barbara Leary, 1973