The Crown Jewel of Haute Couture: The Legacy of Madame Grès

Madame Grès, born Germaine Emilie Krebs in 1903, was a French couturier known for her exceptional draping skills and innovative use of luxurious fabrics. She was widely regarded as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century and was celebrated for her timeless and sophisticated designs.

Madame Grès’ career in fashion began in the late 1920s when she worked as a dressmaker for the couture houses of Callot Soeurs and Lanvin. She eventually opened her own fashion house in 1942 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented designers in Paris. Her collections were characterized by their fluid and elegant lines, intricate draping techniques, and the use of luxurious materials like silk, chiffon, and velvet. She was also known for her innovative use of pleats, which she used to create dramatic, sculptural silhouettes.

Throughout her career, Madame Grès dressed some of the most famous and powerful women of her time, including Jacqueline Kennedy and Marlene Dietrich. Her designs were widely sought after and were featured in prominent magazines and publications, such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In addition to her work in fashion, Madame Grès also designed costumes for ballets and operas, further solidifying her reputation as a master of her craft.

In the 1960s, Madame Grès’ fashion house began to decline, and she retired from the fashion industry in the late 1970s. Despite this, her influence on fashion continues to be felt today, and her designs are considered timeless and classic. Many of her pieces are now considered museum-worthy, and her work is celebrated as a symbol of the beauty and sophistication of French haute couture.

Madame Grès passed away in 1993, but her legacy lives on, and she continues to be remembered as one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century. She remains an inspiration to designers and fashion lovers alike, and her impact on the fashion world will be felt for generations to come.

#1 Model in intricately draped red faille on black faille gown by Grès, 1950

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#2 Natalie Paine in bleached beige high tiny top and ingenious combination of skirt and knickers, the one joined inseparably to the other, by Grès, June 1950

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#3 Model in black wool sheath dress, the bodice is of peacock blue faille, by Grès, 1951

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#4 Model in blue linen two-piece, exquisite in its simplicity, by Grès, 1951

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#5 Model in figure-hugging black dress worn with light sheer organza plaid jacket by Grés, hat by Gilbert Orcel, 1951

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#6 Anne Campion in dusty pink flannel two-piece by Grès, hat with voilette by Rose Valois, 1952

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#7 Gigi Terwalgne in a fun summer dress of two opposing colors by Grès, 1952

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#8 Model in evening gown of extraordinary work in taffeta, the elongated bodice has one shoulder knotted in back, skirt is made of shells in several tones covered with fine net of black tulle by Grès, 1952

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#9 Model in red printed satin evening coat with full balloon sleeves, the collar and cuffs lined in black silk, two-button closure at the waist, 1952

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#10 Marie-Thérèse is wearing pink organza dotted evening gown adorned with large grey satin bow by Grès, 1953

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#11 Stella in print mousseline and organdy manteau perfect for a garden party by Grès, 1953

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#12 Lucky in evening gown, the skirt in two tones of silk organza, the bodice is scalloped on top and pointed below the waist, tied with gold ribbons, by Grès, 1954

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#13 Sunny Hartnett in a billowing hooded evening coat of ice blue satin by Grès, 1954

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#14 Jacky Mazel in figure-hugging coral silk-jersey evening dress worn with gold lamé evening coat by Grès, chandelier earrings by Scémama, 1955

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#15 Marie-Hélène Arnaud in one-shoulder crêpe de chatillon evening gown by Grès, 1955

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#16 Jacky Mazel in fiery red chiffon gown, a row of roses borders the draped bodice, by Grès, jewelry by Boucheron, Paris, 1956

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#17 Marie-Helene Arnaud in a lovely dotted mousseline evening gown by Grès, L’Officiel, 1956

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#18 Model in elegant understated gray wool dress with satin blouson bodice by Grès, hat by Svend, 1956

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#19 Model in fine wool checked suit, jacket has expanded bust and flexible back, worn over jersey blouse, by Grès, hat by Legroux, clutch by Muth, 1956

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#20 Elegant blue and white silk print dress with enormous coxcomb on one shoulder by Grès, photo by Philippe Pottier, L’Officiel, 1957

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#21 Model in Desert Gold EMBA mink stole by Max Reby, gold matelasse gown by Grès, 1957

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#22 Model in green wool jersey dress draped and gathered at the waist by Grès, 1957

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#23 Model in print silk taffeta dress, one-shoulder bodice and over-skirt is split in two panels by Grès, 1957

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#24 Model in white crêpe gown flowing out of itself into pleats that follow the shape of the figure by Grès, Vogue, October 1, 1957

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#25 Rose Marie in gorgeous blue draped satin gown gathered at the hip and split at the ankles worn under a hooded cloak of same material by Grès, 1957

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#26 Simone d’Aillencourt in beige and orange jersey dress, bodice is gathered at the shoulders and buttoned belt holds pleats in front, by Grès, 1957

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#27 Simone d’Aillencourt in fluid one-shoulder mousseline jersey gown banded and tied in bows of velvet by Grès, jewelry by Scémama, 1957

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#28 Simone d’Aillencourt in green crêpe dress, the supple bodice with cowl neck ends in scalloped sleeves, belt of the same material is tied in knot at the side, by Grès, jewelry by Roger Scémama, 1957

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#29 Ghislaine Arsac is wearing strapless silk floral print dress with vibrant red organdy cape by Grès, L’Officiel, 1958

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#30 Model in silk print evening gown by Grès, photo by Jacques Decaux, 1958

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#31 Simone d’Aillencourt in pretty floral silk print dress with a blouson top by Grès, 1958

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#32 Simone d’Aillencourt in silk jersey dress draped and pleated by Grès, 1958

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#33 Denise Sarrault in gala evening gown of rose Cigaline de Bucol by Grès, jewelry by Sterlé, 1959

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#34 Gigi Terwalgne in blue and white wool houndstooth, short collarless bolero worn over red silk blouse by Grès, hat by Jane Blanchot, 1959

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#35 Isabella Albonico in magnificent gown with enormous wing-like sleeves of Venetian green velvet and taffeta by Grès, December 1, 1959

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#36 Jean Newington in blue and green print taffeta evening gown with blue taffeta circular stole, by Grès, jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1959

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#37 Joanna McCormick in frothy tulle pink ball gown by Grès, Rue de la Pink lipstick by Coty, Vogue, April 15, 1959

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#38 Model in Bianchini lunasatin cocktail dress by Grès, photo by Sabine Weiss, 1959

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#39 Model in cozy reversible wool coat by Grès, hat by Jean Barthet, shoes by Charles Jourdan, 1959

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#40 Model in silky wool coat by Grès, hat by Jean Barthet, handbag by Durer, necklace by Scémama, 1959

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