FRENCH FASHION ICON ANDRÉ COURRÈGES DIES AT 92

André Courrèges, the revolutionary French designer who shook up the fashion world in the 1960s with his space-age looks, has died at the age of 92. He was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

After studying to become a civil engineer, he began his working life as a footwear designer and mens’ tailor. He served in the French Air Force during World War II, and then moved to Paris in 1945. He began working for Cristobal Balenciaga in 1950, and stayed with the famed couturier for 10 years. In 1961, Courrèges opened his own fashion house, and soon became a favorite of society women, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her sister, Lee Radziwill.

The Courrèges name also became well known throughout the world for a series of licensed fragrances, including two for men.

Courrèges finally sold his fashion house in 2011 to two former Young & Rubicam ad executives, Jacques Bungert and Frédéric Torloting.

He is survived by his wife Coqueline, who was considered his great muse, and his daughter, Marie.