Description
Madame Gres, was a genius and could could create gorgeous designs under even the most strict limitations. The gorgeous cloak is made of black wool, and features a rounded neckline as well as slits for arms. The wool is heavy, with strong, precise stitching. Designed by Madame Gres in the 1940s, this cloak reflects her talent for making art that thrives, despite the austerity measures enacted in France during and after WW2.One Size
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. From the 1930s on, 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.
After the war Grès' began to design her famous Grecian goddess gowns. Although her earlier work reflected the sculptural, grecian motifs that she exhibited in her later work, she truly came into her own by designing the Grecian goddess gowns. Like her earlier work, the Grecian goddess gowns championed simplicity and the liberty of movement, and were designed with the wearer in mind: the body was to shape and mold the dress, not the other way around.
Although her career stretched across several decades, Grès designs still remain timeless and unparalleled.
-
Country of OriginFrance
-
ConditionExcellent
-
Materials & TechniquesWool, Neckline, Arm Slits
-
SizeCurrent U.S. Size
One SizeTotal Length
55 Inches -
Size Chart
Related Items
1890s House of Worth Beaded Capelet
$3,000.00
House of Worth, the famous Victorian couturier house founded by Charles Frederic Worth considered to by some as the "father of couture", created this 1890's jet beaded capelet. This capelet is constructed of black silk velvet with a frilly, curly black silk ribbon ruff collar and is fully lined in what looks to be charcoal silk broadcloth. The standout of this piece is its jet beading throughout the capelet, which makes this a truly one of kind piece.
*All MRS Couture garments have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping, so that they are ready to wear upon arrival.
1940s Arnold Liebes Feathered Mink Cape w/ Bakelite Details & Silk Lining
$625.00
Wonderful deep chocolate brown feathered Mink cape by Arnold Liebes. The cape is hip length, with a straight collar, and fastens at the neck with a grosgrain rope with AMAZING swirling polished bakelite acorn - like aglets. The cape is lined in black silk with a subtle floral pattern. Perfection.
Arnold Liebes was a furrier with trading posts in Alaska. In the early 20th century he made frequent trips to his outposts, documenting what he saw on his trips with a camera and his diary. His collection of photographs, manuscripts, and over 1000 anthropologically relevant items are available at the California Academy of Sciences.
1940s Gilbert Adrian Black Tiered Ruffle Cape
Sold Out
Extremely rare Gilbert Adrian work of art!!! So few of this legendary designer's works remain, and of those that do, few are as flawless in their current state as this piece of wearable wonder. Made of a beautiful black wool and professionally stored for years. One size fits most. A true collector's piece!
*All Mrs. Couture garments have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping, so that they are ready to wear upon arrival.
