Yolanda Zobel, the talented German fashion designer, has recently announced her departure as the Creative Director of the iconic French fashion label Courreges. Bringing her unique vision and creativity to the brand less than two years ago, Zobel had a specific mission to infuse new energy and modernity into Courreges, a brand well-known for its futuristic 1960s style.
Just weeks before the highly anticipated Paris Fashion Week, where she was set to present her latest autumn-winter collection, Zobel disclosed her decision to part ways with Courreges. In a statement released by the fashion house, it was revealed that her departure was a mutual agreement between both parties, allowing Zobel to focus on new creative projects.
Upon her appointment as the Creative Director in February 2018, Zobel expressed her goal to revive Courreges’ innovative spirit and establish a fresh vision that embodied a sense of freedom and involvement. Taking inspiration from Berlin’s vibrant dance scene, Zobel pledged to move away from the traditional space-age vinyl look that had been synonymous with the brand since its inception in the early 1960s by Andre Courreges and Jacqueline.
One of Zobel’s notable initiatives was the introduction of a special capsule collection called “Fin de Plastique” (The End of Plastic), designed to shift away from vinyl in favor of sustainable materials. Despite receiving acclaim for her previous collection, which she presented on a canal barge in Paris, Zobel faced challenges in redefining Courreges’ identity.
Courreges has revealed that Zobel’s final contribution, the autumn-winter 2020 collection, will be unveiled at the end of January. Throughout her illustrious career, Zobel has worked with prestigious fashion houses such as Giorgio Armani, Chloe, Jil Sander, and Acne Studios, leaving her mark on the fashion world.
Owned by Artemis, the Pinanult family’s holding company, Courreges is part of a larger French fashion conglomerate that includes illustrious brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. Artemis assumed full control of Courreges in September 2018, shortly after Zobel’s appointment, signaling a new chapter for the legendary fashion brand.
For more information on Yolanda Zobel and her impact on Courreges, visit Vogue. To explore Courreges’ innovative fashion collections, visit their official website at Courreges.
