Culture

The Return of Courrèges

The legendary label of the 1960s returns in an exclusive partnership with HEAT

By Hannah Connolly

10 July 2023

HEAT, the digital platform that first introduced the mysterybox concept to the world of luxury fashion, has announced an exclusive partnership with the iconic French Maison, Courrèges.

Set for release on the 13th of July, the box will feature a curation of the House's signatures, including vinyl jackets, dresses and accessories.

On the partnership, HEAT's Head of Content, Jordan Grant explains to The Stack World: "It's the ultimate It-girl luxury brand of the moment, and we're keen to grow our female audience." Adding: "Courrèges is a brand great for wardrobe staples that can be dressed up and down." With each box priced at £500, shoppers will be guaranteed a selection of pieces ranging from £1,000 to £1,300.

Maverick of the '60s, Andre Courrèges, was the namesake and genius behind the label's inception. A protege of Crisotbel Balenciaga and with a background in engineering, Courrèges pushed against the wasp waists and pinched silhouettes of the 50s from his early career onwards.

He created a futuristic 'space-age' silhouette and 'look' that defined an era. One of the most influential design forces of the 20th century, the House counted the Kennedy sisters and Françoise Hardy amongst their clientele. In the French Wave classic La Piscine (1969), it was Maison Courrèges that dressed Rommy Schinder and Jane Birkin, and Courrèges is credited with the invention of the Go-Go boot and the mini skirt alongside contemporary Mary Quant.

Over the past few years, the House has made a great return, 'from a 60's relic into a Gen Z status symbol'. The comeback has been defined by Y2K cut-out details, logomania, and instant cult accessories, and these days it is the likes of Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Rosalía that have become current patrons of the label.

Bringing the House into the contemporary arena has been the task of Artistic Director Nicolas Di Felice, appointed in 2021, exactly 60 years on from the brand's inception. Di Felicie had worked under Nicolas Ghesquiere at Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton before joining Raf Simmons era Dior. Born in Belgium, the designer's interest in fashion was born from music which still influences his work today.

In his tenure, Di Felicie has honoured the House codes and legacy of Courrèges while carving out a fresh take for today's consumer. Whilst also making the conscious decision to lower prices and focus on sustainability to best appeal to the target audience Gen-Z.

Just the latest drop from HEAT, the company first introduced the luxury fashion mystery box in 2019, creating a unique digital shopping experience that quickly became a phenomenon within the industry and with consumers.

With expansive access to archives and new and exclusive products from over 90 of the world's most desirable brands, HEAT brings its audience a curated selection of some of the most desirable luxury items, with unparalleled access to objects that typically sell out within minutes.

Sheffield born Co-founders Joe Wilkinson and Mario Maher continue to expand HEAT's potential; in January 2022, the business secured $5 million in seed funding led by industry heavyweights, including venture capitalist firm Antler and LVMH Luxury Ventures.

Disocver more about the HEAT Courrèges box here.

The Short Stack

The legendary label of the 1960s returns in an exclusive partnership with HEAT.

By Hannah Connolly

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