1984 Rare Madame Gres Black Silk Evening Dress w/ Scarf Drape & Original Croquis
Sold Out
Description
Gorgeous black silk faille evening dress by Madame Gres. The knee length dress is sleek, with a loose body - skimming silhouette, long sleeves, and a high, diamond cut neckline. The sleeves have a dolman - like cut. The dress has a front center seam with two triangular panels of fabric hanging loose. The dress comes with its croquis.
Born in Paris, around the turn of the 20th century, Madame Grès (nee Germaine Émilie Krebs, AKA Alix Barton, Alix) pursued sculpture before turning her interests towards fashion. Grès was initially a hat maker, but her eye for design soon propelled her into haute couture dressmaking. By the 1930s, Grès had made a name for herself and counted a number of famous women in her client list, including: Wallis Simpson - the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Matilda of Greece, Paloma Picasso, Grace Kelly, Marella Agnelli, Marie-Helene de Rothschild, Edith Piaf, Jacqueline Kennedy, Dolores del Río, Barbra Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, and Greta Garbo.
During the German occupation of France in World War II, Madame Grès was ordered to design stark, utilitarian clothing, but defied the occupation government and continued to design sumptuous dresses in the red, white and blue of the French tricolour flag. Bewilderingly, despite being Jewish, German officers were said to have asked Grès to design dresses for their wives. Grès bravely refused. Both her refusal to design for the wives of occupying officers, and her refusal to design drab garments, played a part in the forced closing of her design house; her plenteous use of fabric during wartime was the excuse given.
-
Country of OriginFrance
-
ConditionExcellent
-
Materials & TechniquesSilk Zip
-
SizeCurrent U.S. Size
4Bust
32 InchesWaist
44 InchesHip
26 InchesTotal Length
44 Inches -
Size Chart
Related Items
Knight & Hammer Gold Tone Skull and Black Matt Enamel Chain Necklace
$455.00
Dramatic and macabre skull necklace by Knight & Hammer. We adore this bold opera length necklace, with black enamel chain accented by four brilliant, polished gold skulls. Wear to the opera (and scandalize!) or over that perfect white tee with jeans (and scandalize!). A truly flexible necklace!
We're really feeling an Alexander McQueen / Damian Hirst "For the Love of God" rhinestone skull vibe from this piece.
LENGTH
40 in. (1016 mm)
WEIGHT
96 g
1970s Pauline Trigere Black & Silver Burnout Velvet Evening Dress Ensemble
$800.00
Simply astounding evening dress ensemble by Pauline Trigere. The ensemble consists of a dramatic skirt and matching cardigan. The skirt is maxi length with an A - line silhouette and narrow waistband. The cardigan is hip length, with long sleeves and an open front. The ensemble is fabulous, with sheer black base and scalloped devore burnout velvet that shimmers beautifully. Wear with a black silk romper (or our listed silver lame Pauline Trigere romper!) topped with the cardigan tucked wrap - like into the skirt for some 70s studio 54 fabulousness!
Skirt Measurements
Waist: 30"
Hip: 32"
Length: 42.5
Jacket Measurements:
Bust: 34"
Length: 26"
1960s Adele Simpson Blue, Yellow, and White Quilted Floral Dress
Sold Out
