The Lasting Influence of a Fashion Icon: Madame Grès

Madame Gres, also known as Alix Barton, was a French couturier and one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. She was born in Paris in 1903 and began her fashion career as a milliner before transitioning to couture.

Madame Gres was known for her architectural, sculptural approach to fashion design, creating stunning gowns that were works of art in their own right. She was a master of draping and used fabric to create fluid, sweeping lines that were both dramatic and feminine. Her signature style was defined by her use of luxurious materials like silk, chiffon, and crepe, which she manipulated to create beautifully crafted and unique garments.

Throughout her career, Madame Gres dressed some of the most famous women of her time, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Jacqueline Kennedy. Her elegant and sophisticated designs were sought after by women of all ages, and she was celebrated for her timeless style and exceptional craftsmanship.

As a model, Madame Gres was known for her statuesque frame and her commanding presence on the runway. She was the first couturier to walk the runway herself, and her personal demonstrations of her collections helped to establish her as a leader in the world of fashion.

Madame Gres is credited with revolutionizing couture through her use of draping and her innovative approach to fabric manipulation. She was a master at using fabric to create fluid, sculptural garments that celebrated the female form. She founded her own fashion house in 1942, quickly becoming known for its elegant and sophisticated designs. Her personal involvement in every aspect of her business, from design to production, set her apart from other couturiers and helped establish her reputation as a master of the art of fashion. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Honour, the highest decoration in France, and was elected to the prestigious French Academy of Fine Arts in 1984.

Madame Gres passed away in 1993, but her legacy as a pioneering fashion designer and visionary continues to inspire and influence designers to day. Her timeless and elegant designs remain a testament to her unparalleled talent and mastery of the art of fashion.

#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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