Key Facts
- ✓ Nicolas Di Felice is 42 years old and from Charleroi, Belgium.
- ✓ He became the creative director of Courrèges in 2020.
- ✓ He has tattoos on his legs reading 'Futurism' and 'Passéism', inspired by Blonde Redhead.
- ✓ His office is located at 40 Rue François 1er in Paris, the same building Courrèges moved into in 1965.
- ✓ He previously worked at Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Quick Summary
Nicolas Di Felice has articulated his vision for Courrèges, emphasizing a balance between innovation and nostalgia. Since taking the helm in 2020, he has focused on interpreting the house's legacy rather than duplicating it.
His approach is symbolized by tattoos on his legs reading 'Futurism' and 'Passéism,' inspired by the band Blonde Redhead. Operating from the brand's historic Parisian headquarters, Di Felice brings a background from Louis Vuitton and Dior to his creative leadership.
The Philosophy of Futurism and Passéism
Nicolas Di Felice utilizes specific imagery to define his creative direction. He possesses several tattoos, but the ones on his legs are particularly significant. These tattoos feature the words Futurism and Passéism.
These words were inspired by a song from the band Blonde Redhead. Di Felice had these tattoos done some time ago. However, they have gained new meaning in the context of his current role. They represent the tension between innovation and nostalgia that characterizes his work.
This duality serves as the foundation for his approach to the Courrèges brand. He navigates the fine line between respecting the past and pushing the brand forward into the future. The tattoos serve as a personal reminder of this creative tension.
"He has wanted to interpret the legacy, not copy it."
— Nicolas Di Felice, Creative Director of Courrèges
Interpreting the Legacy ✨
Since joining Courrèges as creative director in 2020, Di Felice has made his intentions clear. He does not seek to create exact copies of past designs. Instead, he stated, "He has wanted to interpret the legacy, not copy it."
This philosophy guides his daily work at the fashion house. As he approaches five years in the role, he continues to look through the company archives. His goal is to revisit these historical materials without falling into nostalgia.
Di Felice's background includes time spent at Louis Vuitton and Dior. This experience informs his ability to handle heritage brands with a modern sensibility. He aims to keep the brand relevant while honoring its roots.
The Physical Space of Creativity 🏛️
The creative process for Nicolas Di Felice takes place in a historically significant location. He works from his office in Paris, located at number 40 on Rue François 1er.
This address holds special significance for the brand. The building is a classic Haussmannian structure. It is the exact same building where the Courrèges maison first established itself in 1965.
Working in this specific location connects Di Felice directly to the brand's history. It provides a physical link to the founders and the original spirit of the house. This environment likely influences his interpretation of the archives.
A Background in High Fashion 🇧🇪
Nicolas Di Felice brings significant experience to his position. He is 42 years old and originates from Charleroi, Belgium.
Before his appointment at Courrèges, he built a resume at top-tier luxury brands. His previous employers include Louis Vuitton and Dior. These roles provided him with deep knowledge of the industry.
He arrived at Courrèges in 2020. Now, as he nears the five-year mark, he reflects on his journey. He revisits the brand's archive not with a sense of looking back, but with an eye toward the future.
