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Another Must-See Costume Exhibition- Madame Grès Exhibit at Musée Bourdelle in Paris

Posted: 12 May 2011 03:17 PM PDT

Most eyes may be on the Alexander McQueen retrospective in New York, but don't miss this exhibition from one of the masters in fabric draping.

If I could only have just one vintage couture piece, something from Madame Gres would be on my wish list.
The extraordinary and timeless designs of this French couturier are on exhibition in Paris. Richard Nahem takes us there. --S.H.

Madame Grès was one of the great couturiers of the 20th century with a career spanning over 50 years. Born in 1903, Grès trained as a sculptor and later said that working with fabric was the same as working in stone.

Madame Grès Exhibit at Musée Bourdelle in Paris

She was most famous for her exquisite and intricate draped creations, many of them influenced by Greek sculptures. Madame Grès opened her couture house in 1942 and worked with the dedication of a monk till 1988; always refining and perfecting her craft.

Even though she was legendary at draping, interestingly enough, Grès didn't know how to sew. Although she was Jewish, the Nazis allowed her to keep her atelier open during WWII, but she refused to dress the the wives of the Nazi officers.

Madame Grès

She worked mostly with silk jersey, which was the ideal fabric for her wearable masterpieces. Jackie Onassis, Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, and the Duchess of Windsor were loyal clients and many of today's designers are highly influenced by Grès including Azzedine Alaia, Issey Miyake, and Yves St. Laurent (Pierre Bergé stated "Madame Grès is one of the reasons why we went into fashion").