Remembering André Courrèges, The Master of Space-Age Couture: A Look Back

Remembering André Courrèges, The Master of Space-Age Couture: A Look Back

Couture Astranaut: Fashion designer André Courrèges (1923-2015)

Fashion designer André Courrèges passed away yesterday at the age of 92
after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Courrèges worked under
Cristobal Balenciaga until 1961, when he launched his Maison de la Haute
Couture. He met his wife, Coqueline, while at Balenciaga. Together with his
contemporaries, Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne, he became famous for his
Futurist designs that revolutionized fashion during the 1960's.

Boxy, A-Line...Ankle Boots! 60's Modernistic Couture from André Courrèges

Spage-Age 1960's: Fashion designer André Courrèges with his designs

Courrèges was most know for his Modernist "Space-Age" styles.
He redefined the silhouettes and styles from what was then, rather
strict lady-like shapes. He was known for peek-a-boo dresses, miniskirts (André Courrèges is widely credited as inventing the mini, even though some would dispute
this and give credit to British designer Mary Quant), jumpsuits, and what
would become iconic accessories such as flat ankle boots and bug-eye
"Space" sunglasses. He loved using unusual materials such as PVC
and plastic as well as favored the A-line shape, saying that he wanted clothes
to "float". 

Onesie Gals: Colorful ribbed Knit with white fur onsesie looks from André Courrèges

He celebrated the moon landing by designing a onesie. Oh,
and it was mirrored! Courrèges could often be seen wearing get-ups
like Mylar jumpsuits and shiny white go-go boots (naturally!). NASA even
brought him in to visit mission control at Cape Canavaral, probably a first for
a fashion designer.

My Space-Age Homme Muse: Designer André Courrèges

Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Betsy Bloomingdale, Jacqueline Kennedy as well as her sister Lee Radziwill, among others were devotees of his fashion-forward designs:

 Audrey Hepburn (above)--from a shot of the 1966 film "How to Steal a Million"

Socialite Lee Radziwill in André Courrèges Haute Couture--Dress and jacket made of plastic and fur, which she gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City

 Yellow coat from André Courrèges 1968 Collection--worn by Mrs. Alfred Bloomingdale (Betsy Bloomingdale)--The suit is entirely made by hand, exclusively using french seams throughout the coat and features varnished leather buttons. It was gifted to the FIDM Museum & Galleries

Photos courtesy of FIDM Museum

In the ’90s,
he left his label to become a painter and sculptor, and his wife and longtime
collaborator Coqueline took over design duties at the house. Since then, the
House of Courrèges has changed
owners and designers; the latest of which seem to be inclined to follow the
designer's original Futuristic directive.

Here are more of André Courrèges' fabulous designs that shook the fashion world:

Onesies, Minis, Flat Boots, Scalloped Details

Looks from André Courrèges

A-Line Couture--André Courrèges

The Courrèges fashion brigade--models in André Courrèges designs

Adieu. RIP André Courrèges.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Fearless, Fashion Leader, Diva, Humanitarian, A Hollywood Fashion Star

Draped Queen: Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra" draped in rust-colored jersey and blue key-hole neckline dresses designed by Costume Designer Irene Sharaff (1963)

We were all saddened to find out of the passing of the LAST Hollywood Goddess: Elizabeth Taylor. She lived a life, that's for sure. I am certain that tributes will pour in for all that she did through her life--from her acting, her marriages, her men...to being a Champion against AIDS. They do not make women like Elizabeth Taylor any more. Of course, I wanted to do my own little "photo" tribute in terms of her FASHION! To me--and I'm sure to others--she was also a FABULOUS Fashion Icon. And these photos certainly prove it! From what she wore on screen--as well as off--to Academy Awards Shows, red carpet premieres, her many weddings, or just being caught by the paparazzi, Miss Taylor WORKED it OVERTIME!

Here's a Look Back:

50's Elegance: Elizabeth Taylor in a draped bust and fitted corseted dress

70's Hippie Chick: Elizabeth Taylor arriving at Heathrow Airport in London 1970, and her white hot pants ensemble and matching boots

The 90's: Elizabeth Taylor, in lemon-yellow silk crepe gown with "Devore" sleeve and neckline detail, holding her Humanitarian Oscar in 1997 Academy Awards

Dynasty Shoulders: Elizabeth Taylor in blue velvet gown with Leg o' Mutton exaggerated sleeves

Going To The Ball: Elizabeth Taylor (with Larry Forstensky in the background) wearing a canary yellow silk ball-gown skirt and silver v-neck top and shawl, 1991

Miss Taylor Never Met A Turban She Didn't Like...

Diva Sheikha: No one worked the Turban look of the late 1960's and early 70's more than Elizabeth Taylor. It was the perfect accessory to highlight and frame her STUNNING face, those eyes, and of course, once in a while, one of those priceless diamonds she owned...

Pink Turban: With Richard Burton, in pink sequin and silk gown

Seriously, this has got to be one of the MOST FABULOUS Elizabeth Taylor looks EVER--From "Boom!", a 1968 film adapted from a Tennesse Williams play where she plays an aging actress. The Fashions--designed by Tiziani of Rome-- were the actual STARS of this film--next to Elizabeth Taylor. The plunging neckline sequined gown, THAT headdress, the diamonds, the emeralds, the cigarette and then...a glass of beer! Fearless Liz! Seriously.

Fashion Diva with Her Men:

1950 Wedding to Hotel Heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton: Elizabeth Taylor in her timeless silk duchesse wedding gown with a fitted corset and full ball gown skirt

1959 Wedding To Eddie Fisher: Wearing an emerald green silk chiffon dress and veil (love the matching flowers!)

1960 Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor wins Best Actress Oscar for "Butterfield 8"--with husband Eddie Fisher, wearing an ivory silk embroidered ball gown skirt with waist rose-and-sash detail and see-through high neck top

1962 Fashionista: Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher, making an entrance in a draped open-necked gown that could be THE Epitome of CHIC in 2011--almost 50 years later!!!

Bow To The Lady: Now this is how all actresses should be "caught" by the paparazzi: Elizabeth Taylor--with Richard Burton--wearing a flower hat, elegantly tailored coat, pointed heels and a crocodile purse. Effortless.

One Shoulder Grecian: Elizabeth Taylor, in a one-shouldered draped gown with diamond brooch at shoulder and flowers accenting her jet-black hair, with Richard Burton

The ORIGINAL Brad and Angelina: In 1971, with Richard Burton--wearing turquoise blue open-necked (of course!) dress and THAT 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond!

Valentino Lace: The infamous Elizabeth Taylor/Larry Fortensky Wedding at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Bride wore a custom pale yellow Chantilly Lace tiered gown by Valentino. The entire wedding was estimated to cost $2 Million and is on the list of Forbes 20 Most Expensive Weddings! I'm sure her haute Couture Valentino gown didn't help (the budget, that is)

We'll Miss You Elizabeth.

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--National Costume Preview Photos!!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--National Costume Preview Photos!!

A Universal Parade of Nations:

Panamanian Empress: Miss Universe Panama Stephanie Vander Werf

As you may know--if you read my last blog post--it's Miss Universe time! The Miss Universe 2012 Pageant is finally upon us and I'm beyond excited. Not just because I'm going to Las Vegas to see it LIVE (Thank goodness it's not in some far away place like Sao Paulo or Bali!) but because I LOVE me some beauty pageants--in general--and yes, because it's time to fill my NICKVERREOS.COM blog up with postings about Pageant Gowns, Pageant Slits, Pageant Stripper Platform Heels...and yes, the old favorite: the National Costumes! I've researched the net up and down and found these photos of some of the Miss Universe 2012 contestants--and what their national costumes are supposed to be...So, without further ado, shall we get started...

  Miss Universe Albania Adrola Dushi: Adrola's costume looks very traditional and "folkloric" and similar to the photo above of a traditional Albanian "national costume". The nude stacked heels are a good "Pageant" addition. PS: Is that her house? She is definitely proud to be Albanian. 

 But, overall, what a difference from what Miss Universe Albania wore back in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant (above photo)

 Miss Universe Aruba Liza Nerelyn Helder: The 5' 10" beauty from this Caribbean island is going "Sexy Carnival Ice Queen" with this get-up. Love that even the platform heels are covered in the crystallized applique! She's like Santa's Sexy Mistress.

Miss Universe Australia Renae Ayris: Renae's costume is very Grecian Goddess/Spartan Princess-meets-Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I have no idea what this has to do with Australia and why there's not a single Koala Bear or sexy Lifeguard reference anywhere...but I kinda like it!

 Miss Universe Belgium Laura Beyne: Laura's costume is a black multi-tiered gown with a parasol featuring the colors of the Belgium flag. I guess, the gown and the flower detail at the waist also signifies this. Doesn't look like a lot of thought went in to this costume.

 Miss Universe Bolivia Yessica Mouton Gianella: Alright huney, you GO GIRL! Yessica's costume is very "flora-and-fauna" with green feathers and red and yellow paillettes. I think it's pretty fabuloso, I'm just not sure she needed the tacky belly button crystal. That took it to a "chonchee" level. MUY fast.

Miss Universe Chile Ana Luisa König: Ana Luisa looks like The Nutcracker in a Tchaikovsky ballet here in this costume. I assume this has something to do with the Military Uniform of Chile. Maybe? Oh, and PS: I want those boots!! Like now!

Miss Universe China Diana Xu Jidan: The very tall (she's 5'11"/6') and beautiful Diana is supposed to be wearing this above as her "Miss Universe 2012" national costume. It's a Couture version of a Ming Dynasty Vase, of course. This is absolutely AMAZING. And of course, the fashion designer/fashion insider/fashion blogger in me--instantly recognized it as being one of the gorgeous gowns in...

The Guo Pei Haute Couture "Arabian 1002th Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Collection--I talked about how much I LOVED this collection HERE.

Miss Universe Colombia Daniella Alvarez: OK, Parrot Reina, you get my vote! Fringe, a faux bird and the colors of the Colombian flag...done & done!

Miss Universe El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel: Yes, another "flora and fauna" national costume. But there's something wonderfully interesting about this one. It's a "high-low" gown, first off. Not sure about the wired hem (a bit too Fashion School-student work) but otherwise, well executed

 Miss Universe Finland Sara Yasmina Chafak: Sarah, are you a doppelganger for Eva Longoria?? You should be her stunt double! In terms of this costume, I think it works since it's supposed to be representing Finland--a Nordic nation, very close to the Arctic--and she's like an Icicle Princess--the Figure Skating Costume Version

 Miss Universe Hungary Agnes Konkoly: This "costume" is very red carpet-worthy; there's nothing that says "national costume" or folkloric about it but it still retains the colors of the Hungarian flag...looks like a very cute cocktail/jr. prom dress with a strong "fashion" element

 Miss Universe Japan Ayako Hara: Kimono Geisha Chic. Love the bright bold colors, her askew hair buns and the accessories. It's not overtly dramatic but still packs a good Tokyo Punch!

 Miss Universe Malaysia Kimberley Leggett: COUTURE darling. COUTURE. As my gays would say : "GIVE IT!". Not sure what black and gold sequined and applique lace has to do with the country of Malaysia but...I want you--half-British, half-Malaysian Kimberley--to still GIVE IT!

Miss Universe Mexico Karina Gonzalez: Aztec Queen on Testosterone ! This is what "Miss Universe Pageant" costumes are all about. I can't even think--but I sure as heck want a carne asada taco and some chicken mole! Muy Bueno!

 Miss Universe Namibia Tsakana Nkandih: I'm kinda loving this strapless gown that Miss Namibia is wearing as her supposed "National Costume" for the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant. There is a feathered bustier and cascade satin floor-length skirt with slit and train. If this was her "Evening Gown" choice, I would have deemed it a bit of mess. But as a National Costume, a solid 7.5.

Miss Universe Nicaragua Farah Eslaquit: Turquoise feathered and silver/golden sequined Nicaraguan Carnival Queen. I want her on top of my Christmas Tree, like NOW!

 Miss Universe Panama Stephanie Vander Werf: Ayyyy Dios Mio!!!! Panama Empress for sure. This has got to be the Winner...or one of the Finalists of the Best National Costume for this year's "Miss Universe"...if they even still have such a contest any more. The red and gold against the backdrop of those over-the-top green feathers: incredible!

 Miss Universe Paraguay Egni Eckert: Yet another "Carnival" Queen. But this time, she was more covered up and heck, if somehow her actual evening gown gets lost or damaged by a jealous fellow contestant, the dress can certainly work for the "Evening Gown" portion of the contest.

 Miss Universe Peru Nicole Faveron: Nicole is like an Inca Queen in this royal blue, gold with red and white Peruvian flag colors costume representing her country. It's pretty fab. And those above-the-knee boots: Can someone please call Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and have her put these into production...or at least in one of her amazing runway shows?!

 Miss Universe Poland Marcelina Zawadzka: I like this costume. It's simple, angelic and pretty. The gown silhouette is very on-trend and the flower crown is delicate yet makes a nice "cherry on the costume cake". She looks like the Ambassador of Peace, Harmony and All That is Good in This World.

 Miss Universe Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler Peña: OK, first of all: Look at her TINY waist! Her momma needs to give her some more Sancocho! Whoever designed this, they certainly did it right--in that it highlights what is certainly one of her best features and still gives "National Costume Drama". Imagine if this creature came out of the Puerto Rican rainforest!

 Miss Universe Russia Elizaveta Golovanova: Elizaveta went more the "traditional" route when it came to her National Costume as seen from the photo above previewing what she is supposed to wear to the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant. I only hope she tops it off with a HUGE fur hat!

 Miss Universe South Africa Melinda Bam: Hot. Hot. And More Hot. Melinda looks like a Warrior Princess from some Cartoon or a Sci Fi Network TV Show that hasn't even been created yet. Everything about this gold, silver and ivory crystal-and-organza ensemble is fantastic! She looks friendly and approachable but...one shake of that stick, and you're a GONER!

 Miss Universe Thailand Nutpimon Farida Waller or Nutpimon Natthayalak (she goes by several names): This half Thai, half Austrian beauty's costume is one of my faves. She's like a Thai architecture, Sculpture and Goddess...all rolled up in one. Thailand always brings it when it comes to some of their "Miss Universe" costumes in recent years, so I wasn't surprised that they were keeping up the "Costume Tradition".

 Miss Universe Ukraine Anastasia Chernova: Sexy, modern (look at the slit-sleeves), yet still "folkloric" and giving a strong nod to Ukraine. Love the fur hat and that sword. I assume she may need that in case another fellow contestant gets unruly with her!

Miss Universe Venezuela Irene Esser: Usually the Venezuelan beauty queens go either the "Folkloric Venezuela" national costume route:

 A criolla/joropo-style full-skirt off-the-shoulder ruffled costume or...

Or Liki-Liki "Fantasia" white suit (above left) or they go the "Fantasy Native Indian Princess" route (above right). So, it was quite a surprise to see Irene in a what looked like a Christmas Present or a Big Box of Chocolates, as her "National Costume". The ensemble was topped off by a HUGE bow and box headdress. Oh, and her golden dress looked as if it had chocolates sewn into it but once a switch was turned on...them chocolate-looking things...

Lit up like Christmas lights!!! Over the top, fabulous, fun, and how appropriate since we are after all, only weeks away from el Dia de Navidad.

Miss Venezuela Organization National Pageant Director, Osmel Sousa inspects Miss Universe Venezuela Irene Esser's lights, on her national costume

I can't wait to see these on stage or at least in the "Official National Costume Pics" after all the girls have arrived, settled and gotten to their business of "Official Photo taking"...Soon, I'll give you my Top and "Oh Dear" Picks of the National Costumes of Miss Universe 2012. Stay tuned kiddies...