1960s Courrѐges Paris Mod Black Maxi Coat with Hood

André Courrѐges, who born in the city of Pau in the Pyrénées, came to fashion design in a somewhat circuitous manner. His original field of study, engineering, situated him as aviator in the French Air Force during WWII. The technical proficiency gained in these arenas transferred superbly to his years with the House of Balenciaga, where he worked from 1950-1961. After this long tutelage, he opened his own studio in France, where he combined functionality and luxury.

An expert in fabric manipulation, this black coat illustrates the bold austerity of his designs. Like modern architecture, the simple design lines belie the complexity of its construction. The full length coat is made from a synthetic poly-based fiber, which gives it a slight sheen. The bodice gathers very lightly into an open neckline at both front and back, providing a touch of femininity to this otherwise efficient piece.

The hood is detachable and held in place with snaps that are fixed onto the inside of the neckline. Smooth black plastic buttons are at both the cuffs and the center front opening, stopping a bit short of the hem to provide room for movement. Lined in 100% silk, the overall quality is evident with details such as the hand-set sleeves, which cap perfectly over the shoulders. A minimal tie integrates with the side seams and ties loosely at the back. Angled welt pockets sit at hip level.

As summed up by writer Patricia Peterson in a 1963 article for the New York Times, “[Courrѐges] has an unerring sense of proportion. He knows how to cut, and he has taste.”

Size estimate: XS/S

Measurements:

Sleeves: 23 inches

Bust: 36 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 37 inches

Length: 54 inches

This c1970 black coat by André Courrѐges in made from a black poly-fiber and lined with black silk. A slim, but unshaped cut falls to the floor with a crisp modernist edge. Slight gathers at the neckline reveal that the coat’s structural appearance does not wear stiffly, but rather with comfort and ease. Smooth black plastic buttons run down the center front and finish the sleeve cuffs.

An integrated waist tie wraps from side seams to center back and angled welt pockets sit at hip level. The detachable hood is held in place with snaps that are affixed to the inside the neckline. In excellent condition, this sleek black coat is both mod and contemporary. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.