Courrèges, André

(born March 9, 1923, Pau, Fr.) French fashion designer. He went to work in a small Parisian fashion house in 1948 and within a year joined the staff of Cristobal Balenciaga. In 1961 he opened his own house and became established as one of the most original couturiers in Paris. His futuristic styles featured well-cut pants, trapezoidal lines, and miniskirts with white midcalf boots; white became his hallmark. In the 1960s his designs were widely copied. He established control over manufacturing and distribution through licensed outlets.

Find more information on Courrèges, André. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on Courrèges, André.