January 17, 2018

REMEMBERING COURREGES

A few days before David Bowie passed away (January, 2016), we lost another great artist with a knack for futuristic thinking, Andre Courreges (1923-2016). It was odd that, while I contemplated the French designer of the famous Moon Girl look from the 1960s, we should then also lose the great interpreter of the future in Bowie. We also lost Beatles producer George Martin. It was a tough year for Spy Vibers. Designer Andre Courreges rose up as a young talent in Balenciaga in the 1950s and opened his own salon at the dawn of the decade in 1961. He shared credit with Mary Quant for creating the mini skirt, and by 1964, established his space-inspired collections of white plastic boots, stiff helmets, joke glasses (some inspired by traditional Inuit designs), and playful slim outfits sporting cut-outs and Op Art elements. He even designed a prototype Bubble car, which later spawned a new electric model. His vision of combining synthetic materials, metals, white, and silver- and working with young models of the era- helped to define the androgynous Space Age look of the 1960s. Where would be without the mini and his white go-go boots? About her husband, Couqueline Courreges said, "He saw with eyes of his generation- it was a time of missiles to the moon." Artist Andy Warhol said, "His clothes are so beautiful, everyone should look the same, dressed in silver." Courreges was 92. Some gems below: Dali in Courreges glasses, fashion show reversals, and the designer at home in his futuristic apartment (image source: Getty). Learn more at The Guardian. Shop for vintage outfits here. Additional note: Spy Vibers may also remember designer John Bates helped champion the mini skirt before it became mainstream by dressing Diana Rigg's character Emma Peel in a mini in The Avengers. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Batman 66 ExhibitPrisoner Fifty EventIan Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

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