Skip to main content

Madame Gres

French, 1903-1993

Forever credited with having altered the fashion world with her pleated silk dresses, Madame Grès was one of the greatest couturiers of the 20th century. She defied the orders of Nazi soldiers and designed gowns and evening dresses that mirrored the colors and pattern of the French flag, working by hand with material that hung directly from live models. A consummate artist, Grès created garments that were demonstrative of exemplary construction and meticulous attention to detail — her signature floor-length gowns left a lasting impact on every aspect of haute couture.

Born Germaine Émilie Krebs to a French Jewish family in Paris, Grès initially studied painting and sculpture. For her, making dresses and working in sculpture were one and the same, and she pursued a career in fashion. Grès worked in millinery and was trained in haute couture dressmaking at the illustrious House of Prémet.

Grès opened her inaugural couture fashion house in 1932, and within a couple of years she began working under the name Alix Barton — the surname came from her coworker, couturier Julie Barton — calling her business La Maison Alix and creating gowns until 1942 in what became her signature style. She perfected modern pleating techniques and worked directly on live models, mostly with generous amounts of silk jersey and airy silk paper taffeta. Her designs showed the influence of Greco-Roman sculpture and would go on to help shape the work of Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander and Azzedine Alaïa, who also thought of haute couture as sculpture

Grès’s work was photographed by the likes of Horst P. Horst, and her gowns for Jean Giraudaux’s play The Trojan War Will Not Take Place in 1935 established her as a leading designer, though Nazi occupation stalled her growth. 

During WWII, Grès refused to design the utilitarian garb that German forces requested and instead made clothes using the colors of the French flag as her own act of rebellion. Ultimately, she was forced to close her boutique in Paris. The designer married Russian painter Serge Czerefkov, changed her name to Grès — which is how her husband signed his name — and fled to the Pyrenees before returning to establish her second couture house under her new name.

Madame Grès’s second maison was widely successful and attracted a long list of rich and powerful clientele ranging from movie stars to royalty. A single dress could take hundreds of hours to complete. Some of the couturier’s clients became deeply loyal over the course of her career, including the Duchess of Windsor, Oscar-winning actresses Grace Kelly and Greta Garbo, iconic Tiffany & Co. jewelry designer Paloma Picasso and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Grès guarded her personal life closely and let her delicate, impeccable work speak for itself.

Original Madame Grès evening dresses and gowns, coats, jackets and day dresses, which transformed women into Greek deities, are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum at FIT and the Musée Bourdelle.

“Her dresses were about a sense of power, strength and beauty, not objectification,” explains Patricia Mears, deputy director of the Museum at FIT and author of Madame Grès: Sphinx of Fashion. “Everyone knows Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent,” Mears says, “but I believe that the great triumvirate was Madeleine Vionnet, Balenciaga and Madame Grès — those who knew how to make clothes with their own hands, couturiers in the old sense of the word.”

Find vintage Madame Grès clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

to
1
15
11
27
1
4
4
9
6
1
28
9,635
6,068
5,793
5,678
28
26
26
1
Designer: Madame Gres
Madame Gres 1970s Silk Scarf 34"x34"
By Madame Gres
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a beautiful scarf by the couture house of Madame Gres, established in France in 1932. Gres was born Germaine Emilie Krebs and raised in Paris. Her first love was painting an...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Haute Couture fashion show cape by Madame Grès numbered 11633 Circa 1980
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Magnificent Haute Couture cape by Madame Grès dating from the 1980s. Impressive circumference of the cape (996 cm), cut on the bias from thick wool twill cloth dy...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

White sleeveless silk jacquard cocktail dress with shell pattern Grès Paris
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White sleeveless silk jacquard cocktail dress ( or wedding dress ) with shell pattern. Zip in the middle back + hook&eye. Silk lining. Could be a show or commercial sample because i...
Category

Late 20th Century French Madame Gres

Madame Grès 1960s Black Sleeveless Scarf Dress
By Madame Gres, Madam Gres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Madame Grès 1960s Black Sleeveless Scarf Dress Vintage; circa 1960s Black Sleeveless Wraparound scarf extending from left side Sweetheart neckline Pleated bodice woven to form Gat...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Red satin sleeveless cocktail dress with see-through lace back Grès
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red satin sleeveless cocktail dress with see-through lace back and cape effect . No fabric tag composition but probably silk satin . One side is shiny ( the dress) and the other sid...
Category

1980s Unknown Madame Gres

Unlabelled Madame Grès iridescent lilac silk evening jumpsuit circa 1970s
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
Madame Grés was not well known by the general public. However the French designer’s long career spanned from the early 1920s to the 1980s. Grés’ contribution to the history of f...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Sleeveless jacquard printed dress with asymmetrical draped over-lay Grès Paris
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless jacquard printed dress with asymmetrical draped over-lay. Polka-dots pattern jacquard. Fabric composition: silk Zip on the left side an...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

Vintage 1970's Madame Grès Haute Couture Graphic Print Silk Gown & Hooded Shawl
By Madame Gres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An ultra chic and incredibly rare Madame Grès haute couture sculpted maxi dress and multi-purpose caftan shawl dating back to the mid 1970's. Madame Grès felt that the true job of th...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

A Madame Grès Couture Evening Dress - Autumn Winter 1953
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1953 France Grand Soir dress in black silk faille by Madame Grès Haute Couture, 1953 collection (similar dress, cover of "l'Officiel de la Couture" n°381, 1953) with a very a...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

Black asymmetrical cocktail dress pleated and draped Grès 1962
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical cocktail dress pleated and draped. Pleats are made with silk jersey. The second fabric is silk chiffon with glitters. Underwir...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Gres Madame Paris Vintage Elegant Evening Yellow Amber Large Blazer Jacket
By Madame Gres
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant jacket by Madame Gres! With shoulder pads! Button: amber look. EXCELLENT condition. SIZE Large. Marked size: FR40 Length: 69 cm / 27.1 inch Bust: 42 cm / 16.5 inch Waist: 3...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

RARE red crêpe evening dress with cape Grès 1966
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
RARE red double lining crêpe evening dress with cape. Zip and hook&eye on the left side of the dress + split on the same side, lenght= 32 cm. ...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Madame Grès By Lloyd Klein 1993 Haute Couture Silk Shawl Runway Evening Dress
By Madame Gres
Located in Sheffield, GB
1993 Haute Couture Silk mousseline shawl dress by Lloyd Klein for the eponymous GRÈS label. The dress is a one off Runway piece, worn by Niki Taylor for th...
Category

1990s French Madame Gres

Wool double-face ( check and plain orange) coat Grès Circa 1970's
By Madame Gres
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool double-face ( check and plain orange) coat. Cut-work on the waist. size L
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Vintage 1975 Madame Grès Haute Couture Beaded Embroidered Ivory Sheer Silk Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An unforgettable and incredibly rare Madame Grès haute couture ivory silk goddess bridal gown dating back to the mid 1970's. This ethereal lo...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

1970s Madame Gres Haute Couture Black Silk & Lace Dress
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful example of Madame Gres's work during a pivotal moment in the fashion House's history when she expanded her design repertoire for couture evening dresses and the fluid Greco - Roman Goddess draping she was so famous for. It is certainly a graceful and early 1970s design and is made from the most beautiful silk embroidered tulle that overlays a fine black silk shift dress. The dress has an empire line bodice and a low scoop cut neckline, ruffle edged in a double layer of the tulle. The long sleeves are sheer with a ruffle cuff collar that echoes the neckline. The dress is Princess seemed and fastens to the rear with the original metal zip whilst the tulle overlay has popper closures. The haute couture label is located on the right hand side of the dress just under the arm. The dress is entirely handmade and in absolutely beautiful vintage condition. There are no issues of any note and it looks barely worn. We estimate this dress would suit around a UK 8-10, US 4-6. Haute couture dresses of this calibre are rare to market, especially in wearable condition and we doubt we will ever see another. Madame Grès - was the name of the French haute couture fashion house established in the 1940s and lasting through until the 1980s. Madame was Germaine Émilie Krebs who in her early years also created designs under the Alix label. She was renowned for her attention to detail and minimalistic draping techniques fashioning fluid silk jersey straight onto the wearer. Her pieces can fetch well over five figure sums and are held in every major museum collection worldwide. She was one of the most revered couturiers of the 20th century and died short...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Vintage 1975 Madame Grès Haute Couture Rare Documented Silk-Jersey Cut Out Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simply gorgeous and museum quality Madame Grès haute couture heavily pleated silk-jersey gown dating back to her 1975 Autumn-Winter collection. Madame Grès felt that the true job of the couturier was not to create a name for one's self, as many designers do, but to pay rigorous attention to the clothing. This stunning documented draped mocha brown gown has so much detail, you can tell it was made with loving devotion. That color pop of beige really brings this dress to a new level. The seductive bodice has a low-cut halter style neckline with scrolling heavily pleated bands. My favorite design detail is the flirty cut-outs around the bodice which add so much sex appeal and interest. Flattering asymmetric hem columnar skirt with matching pleated waist belt. Grès had an extraordinarily long career. Through each decade, which encompassed huge changes in fashion, her work remained consistent and timeless. Any one of her elegant gowns...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

MADAME GRES Haute Couture Paris 1972 black crepe slash slit cut out dress M
By Madame Gres
Located in Hong Kong, NT
MADAME GRES Haute Couture Paris 1972 black crepe slash slit cut out dress M Reference: CRTI/A00404 Brand: Gres Designer: Madame Gres Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip E...
Category

2010s Madame Gres

Vintage 1950's Madame Grès Haute Couture Sculpted Silk Back-Bow Dress & Jacket
By Madame Gres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous and incredibly rare Madame Grès haute couture sculpted black silk dress ensemble dating back to the early 1950's. Madame Grès felt that the true job of the couturier was not to create a name for one's self, as many designers do, but to pay rigorous attention to the clothing. This stunning set has so much detail, you can tell it was made with loving devotion. The alluring bodice has a low-cut scoop neck with flattering short sleeves. My favorite designer element is the dramatic back bow with chic cut-out. The matching jacket has a shawl-like front with a stunning cropped back. I'd wear the jacket alone with other looks for a unique bolero option. The sculpted panel style skirting ,which looks incredibly hard to mold, reads so fresh to the modern eye...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

A Madame Grès Woollen Beige Couture Dress (attributed to)- France Circa 1970
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970 France Prototype or parade dress attributed to Madame Grès and dating from the 1970s. Bolduc of white cotton sewn indicating No. 144 to Christine Vicky. Beige wool knit...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching high-heeled shoes size 6 1/2. Features the iconic...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

1983 Madame Gres Haute Couture Blue & Striped Taffeta Cocktail Dress W/Capelet
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
1983 Madame Gres haute couture cocktail dress featuring a blue silk taffeta bodice w/thin spaghetti straps and a voluminous/pleated silk skirt w/blue, green, orange, and brown vertical stripes. Skirt is lined at the interior with blue silk taffeta and bodice has interior boning. Comes w/a matching blue silk taffeta cropped cape...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

A Printed Chiffon Evening Dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture Circa 1970
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Early 1970. France. Long sleeveless Haute Couture dress by Madame Grès. Bottom of the orange dress on which is sewn a chiffon printed with large abstract flowers orange and purple....
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

MADAME GRES HAUTE COUTURE Betsy Bloomingdale 1960's Yellow Asymmetrical Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gown is composed of a yellow silk crepe. Features an asymmetrical design with snap closures. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for p...
Category

20th Century French Madame Gres

Madame Gres Black & Grey Silk Jersey Dress w/Pleated Draped Bodice ca.1970's
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A circa 1970's Madame Gres knee-length one shoulder dress in shades of black and slate grey silk jersey. The bodice is constructed from a layer of black pleated and draped silk jerse...
Category

20th Century French Madame Gres

Madame Gres 2pc Gray Herringbone Jacket and Dress, Circa 1950
By Madame Gres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gray vintage 2piece dress and jacket set by Madame Gres, from 1950. The set is light wool fabric with a herringbone weave. The jacket h...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

Crepe Long dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) Spring Summer 1955
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1955 Paris Crepe evening dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) from the Spring Summer 1955 collection. Draped long dress...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

Madame Grés Demi-Couture Black Velvet Keyhole Evening Gown Ca. 1960
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
1960's Madame Grés demi-couture black velvet evening gown featuring center front and back keyhole. Separate voluminous taffeta slip skirt. In very good condition - some minor wear to...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Related Items
Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage 1970s Loris Azzaro pink silk jersey gown! Beautiful bodice, with a draped, Grecian/Empire feel to the body. Zipper works great, just could not fit the dress form. In...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Elegant Silver-Grey Persian Lamb Fur Coat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This coat has 2 pockets, 1 hook at the collar, 3 closing loops and 6 decorative buttons. We offer more fur items, view our frontstore The fur is soft and its from atelier Jacques C...
Category

20th Century Unknown Madame Gres

Versace Black Silk Crepe Crystal Embellished Strap Gown M
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For all evening soirées and high-affair parties, a gown like this makes sure you look the best of all. Tailored into a superb fit and style, this gown is elevated with a stunning nec...
Category

2010s Italian Madame Gres

Black Velvet Gold Embroidered Flowers Coat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Unique vintage coat made of black velvet gold embroidered with colorful flowers. It has 3 press buttons, 2 pockets. Size is about medium/large, pl...
Category

20th Century Unknown Madame Gres

Jean Charles de Castelbajac vintage 1980s wool color-blocked coat
By Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
Located in Antwerp, BE
1980s color-blocked wool huge blanket coat by Jean Charles de Castelbajac. The original 80's shoulder pads are still in the coat, most likely this piece has not seen the daylight sin...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

Exclusive Black Velvet and Gold Embroidered Bolero/Jacket
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: black velvet fully lined 1 closing hook Gold embroided with rhine stones and gold details Appears to be small, p...
Category

20th Century Madame Gres

Stunning Black Persian Lamb Jacket Small
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage Italian design jacket is made of black persian lamb and trimmed with dyed red fur. We offer more vintage fur items, view ur frontstore Det...
Category

20th Century Italian Madame Gres

Vintage Hermes Les Chats Scarf by Daphne Duchesne 1985
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage rare Hermes Scarf Les Chats designed by Daphne Duchesne in 1985. Size: 90x90 cm Condition: good, has some stains, please see pictures...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

ROSETTA GETTY Size S Red Viscose Column Long Gown
By Rosetta Getty
Located in San Francisco, CA
ROSETTA GETTY dress comes in a red viscose woven material featuring a spaghetti strap style, a-line, open back, and a back zip up closure. Made in USA. New with Tags. Marked: Smal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Madame Gres

Panthere printed fur vintage jacket
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This leopard style jacket is trimmed with leather at the front and closes with a zipper and has 2 pockets. Its in fair vintage condition with wear at the collar. The quality of the f...
Category

20th Century Unknown Madame Gres

Neiman Marcus Black Mink Fur Jacket
By Neiman Marcus
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This Neiman- Marcus black mink has 2 pockets, 1 closing hook at the collar and 4 decorative buttons. We offer more exclusive fur items, view our frontstore It has a number issued b...
Category

20th Century American Madame Gres

fabulous fringed dyed fox fur stole
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This fox stole is dyed in purple/blue/red with fox tails and trimmed with black fringe. Size 175 cm x 27 cm Please note that vintage items are not new and therefore might have minor...
Category

20th Century Madame Gres

Previously Available Items
Crepe Long dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) Spring Summer 1955
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1955 Paris Crepe evening dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) from the Spring Summer 1955 collection. Draped long dress...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

A Taffeta dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) - Paris 1977
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Autumn-Winter 1977 Collection France Dramatic long evening gown in pearl grey silk taffeta, in the form of a toga by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to). Chasuble cut with ve...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Madame Grès Silk Modernist Bird Scarf, C.1970
By Madame Gres
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 1960's or early 1970's Madame Grès silk scarf with wonderful graphics in shades of yellow, blue and red depicting a bird and floating polka dots i...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Vintage 1960s Madame Grès Haute Couture Blue Beaded Sheer Silk Trained Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An unforgettable and incredibly rare Madame Grès haute couture vibrant cobalt-blue sheer silk three piece gown ensemble dating back to the mid 1960's. This dramatic look was custom commissioned by Contessa Marina Cicogna, a famous Italian film producer and photographer. The New York Times describes her as "one of the most powerful women in European cinema...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

Madame Grès boutique 1970s vintage gold silk halter top & maxi skirt set.
By Madam Gres, Madame Gres
Located in Antwerp, BE
Madame Grès who demanded the finest quality and attention to detail had to take the step toward ready-to-wear clothing in the 1970s..... Unworn with Tag - Stunning 1970s Boutique Grès by Madame Grès (Alix Barton...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

Madame Gres Pink Printed Chiffon Halter Neck Gown, 1970's
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A Madame Gres boutique printed chiffon halter neck gown with an unusual draped design at the back. The hemline is higher at each side and longer in the f...
Category

1970s French Madame Gres

A Madame Grès Cocktail Dress In Pleated Silk Jersey Numbered 63926 Circa 1950
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1950 France Stunning cocktail dress attributed to Madame Grès in dark brown to bolduc silk jersey numbered 63926 dating from the late 1940s. Sleeveless dress with pointed nec...
Category

1950s French Madame Gres

A Grès Evening Dress in Printed Chiffon Silk Circa 1975/1985
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1975/1985 France "Romantic" evening dress in printed silk muslin by Grès Haute Couture Circa 1975/1985. Long-sleeved dress and bardot collar in muslin printed with large, stylized floral patterns in shades of green, light brown, pale pink and purple. Work of pleats in V on the bust tightened at the waist and blousing effect in the back. Skirt with large background in sun pleats of 360 ° of span. Long and straight under-dress in powder pink duchesse satin closed by zip and snaps on the back. Fine matching and sewn belt. Label indicating Grès Paris...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

A Grès Evening Dress in Printed Chiffon Silk Circa 1975/1985
A Grès Evening Dress in Printed Chiffon Silk Circa 1975/1985
Free Shipping
Size: Equivalent French Size 36
Gres Paris Square Silk Blue Green and Tan Lily Flower Print Scarf
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
Square Grès Paris silk scarf with hand rolled edges, featuring lovely tan lilies on a mid blue, pale blue and sea green geometric print background. Measurin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Madame Gres

Madame Gres Couture Wine Taffeta Cocktail Dress, S/S 1988.
By Madame Gres
Located in New York, NY
Madame Gres Couture Wine Taffeta Cocktail Dress, S/S 1988. Wine-colored silk taffeta dress with puff sleeves and exaggerated ruffle collar and lapel. Feat...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

Madame Gres fuchsia beaded slub silk tabard silk chiffon skirt ensemble, 1960s
By Madame Gres
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare slub silk tabard with unusual beading and rhinestones with matching silk chiffon skirt from Madame Gres dating to the late 1960's. Haute couture ensemble with hand finishe...
Category

1960s French Madame Gres

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Black Pleated Drapé Halter Gown W/Shawl & Slip
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
1981 Madame Gres haute couture black silk jersey pleated drapé halter gown featuring a herringbone detail at trim of halter. Dress has a zipper front bodice and a detachable tie that...
Category

1980s French Madame Gres

Madame Gres fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Madame Gres fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Marc Bohan, Jacques Fath, and Patrick Kelly appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Madame Gres fashion from top boutiques around the world. Madame Gres fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $11,095, while the average work can sell for $2,800.

Designers Similar to Madame Gres

Recently Viewed

View All