Inspired by Albert Camus‘ words, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer,” the Courrèges’ SS25 Men’s and Women’s pre-collection, dreams of summer escapism. Captured through the lens of legendary photographer Mark Borthwick, the collection imagery encapsulates the raw, fleeting poetry of Nicolas Di Felice’s vision for the Courrèges wardrobe.
Revisiting key themes from the FW24 collection, Di Felice introduces a pared-back yet dynamic collection. The ‘upside-down’ deconstruction motif returns, this time in lighter fabrics like floaty satin, workwear canvas, and raw indigo denim. These materials breathe new life into the silhouettes, giving them a sharp, 70s-inspired dynamic. Standout pieces include the ‘magic square’ mesh tops, which feature abstract graphics inspired by hiking signage, and the new ‘Friday Bowling’ bag, whose baguette-like volume continues the season’s energetic accessories storyline.
Drawing inspiration from vintage scuba shorts, Di Felice infuses the collection with sun-filled mementos that add athletic accents to daywear archetypes. Asymmetric button-tabs, layered waistbands, and oversized belt loops echoing the construction of André Courrèges’ SS70 collection create revitalized juxtapositions. Watersport-inspired pockets and slip-on diving shoes, adapted for city wear in nappa leather and rich scuba jersey, evoke seashore expeditions. The remixed scuba biker jacket, featuring a surf-inspired zipper puller and an extended locker loop, captures the essence of a day spent in the ocean spray.
The season’s opening pieces include enveloping trench coats designed to shield the body from the storm. As the collection unfolds, it operates like a treasure hunt, a quest for clues of forgotten adventures that recreate the joy of summertime in our daily lives. Di Felice’s meticulous attention to detail builds a genealogy of shape, binding successive waves of his creative journey to a universal tale of escape. This narrative sweeps us into currents of adventure, making the collection both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Menswear in the collection redefines daywear classics with a fresh perspective. Lightweight fabrications allow volumes to take flight, creating dynamic, 70s-inspired silhouettes that are both sharp and relaxed. The incorporation of athletic and watersport elements, such as asymmetric button-tabs and slip-on diving shoes, lends a sense of adventure and exploration to the urban wardrobe. The menswear pieces effortlessly blend functionality with style, embodying the spirit of summer escapism.
The Courrèges SS25 Men’s and Women’s pre-collection by Nicolas Di Felice is a masterful blend of past and present, infused with a longing for summer and adventure. The collection’s intricate details and innovative designs create a narrative that invites us to escape the mundane and embrace the joy of summertime.
View the colection in the Gallery below:
