One of the key elements of the spring 1973 collection was the snap closures that Courreges used. They played a two fold role in that they were a functional element that actually acted as closures and they where also a decorative design feature that helped to highlight his signature cuts. In the runway reference photo that I have included here, you can see the same snap detailing. This is a beautiful and rare example of his Haute Couture work from this time period that still feels fresh and wearable even now.

The suit is made from the classic wool that Courreges was using for his pieces during this time period. It has enough weight to hold the sharp angular lines of the suit but without adding bulk or making it feel too heavy to wear for our modern aesthetics. The colour is a beautiful deep blue that has been captured well in these photos. The wool has  a slight texture to it. The stitching and the snaps have all been dyed to match the colour of the suit. This lets you see the seaming and detail but in a way that gives you the full picture all at once. The jacket is beautifully cut. It is meant to skim over the body with just a touch of a boxy feel to it. The sleeves are capped and the shoulders are seamed but have no additional padding. The shape is all created by the cut and perfect tailoring techniques. To wear it you simply slip the jacket on and it snaps into place down the front. The top stitched seaming detail is done to follow the lines of the jacket and become their own design element. The skirt is spectacular. It is cut to be fitted around the waist and then is cut on an angle to the hem. I have photoed it flat for you as well as on the dress form so that you get a better feel for the shape. It has an unusual way to close. There are snaps that run down each side and you can fully unsnap it on both sides. The bottom two snaps at the hem are decorative so that you get a bit of a vent on either side but all the snaps above it open. This lets you open the sides up and leave the resulting slit as high up as you dare. It is an incredible example of his work. The exterior of the suit is in excellent condition and there is a note below regarding the lining

Both pieces are fully lined in a white silk and close with the snaps as described above. There is an area of fabric missing from the interior of the skirt. It is stable and does not effect the wearing of the suit. Tagged a vintage Courreges 00

Jacket
Shoulders: 12" across
Bust: 16.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 17" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 22.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD1091

Reference photo: Andre Courreges Haute Couture Spring 1973

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival

This is a remarkable example of Courreges and the work that Andre was doing during that time period. I know we often associate his work with very mod and short pieces but he also did many dramatic pieces in fabrics like this. It is a highly glossed, thicker weight, smooth finish cotton. At the time this would have been extremely experimental. I love that this one takes the shape that we so closely associate with him and extends and exaggerates it to full length. This dress would not have half the impact it has if it was shorter. I am sometimes more excited to find these bolder and more unusual pieces from him then the more common mod feeling ones. A version of this one was also photoed for Vogue that spring making it even more special.

This beautiful dress is made out of a coated cotton that has been dyed to a brilliant orange. This was a signature colour for Courreges and it is just absolutely stunning. Many of his pieces are a play on volume and proportion and this dress is an amazing example of that. It is a dramatic piece that has a more bare and fitted feel through the upper bodice and then flares and widens out very dramatically to the hem. The fabric is light in weight but has enough weight to it to hold the shape. The exterior has a coating that gives it a slight sheen and then inside it is self backed with a white finish. It has enough structure to it that it holds the intended shape and volume while feeling like you are barely wearing anything. The slight sheen and texture of it combined with the absolutely superb seaming details give the dress a rich, luxurious feel. All of the seams are set vertically to help add to the feeling of length and the bust is cleverly shaped by a horizontal seam running under it. It then has two darts worked in for shape. The neckline is scooped high on the chest and the sides curve for the arms. Straps extend out from the side and the top of the halter neck and then each strap buttons into place along the sides of the back. All of the buttons are functional and original. The two top ones cross over each other and the one below crossed the back in a horizontal line. Extremely collectible and rare. It looks to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Unlined with a self backing in white as described above. It zips to close at the back and each end of the straps button into place. Tagged a Courreges 0. In its original length and appears to have been worn very little if at all. 

Bust: will fit to 17" flat across the back from seam to seam with approx an A-B cup
Seam under the bust with straps taken into account: will fit to 15.5" flat across from seam to seam 
Waist where the back strap is: to 14" flat across from seam to seam
Hips: open 
Bodice: approx 13" from shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 45.5" from seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML (it should fit a MED if you are narrow and small through the bust)

Item# DD3710

Reference Photo: US Vogue, March 1970.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.