Silly Supper: With Love, Alix

Contrary to how I feel about draping (read: drainer!!!!), Madame Gres holds a special place in my heart. If anyone cares to pick up her biography, can see the extremely laborious draping that went into her 'Grecian dresses'. Mind you, the couturier hailed from an era where dresses were hand pleated, pleat-by-pleat individually draped and pinned in place, and hand-sewn into the final garment.

Born Germaine Emilie Krebs in Paris in 1903, Alix Gres (her married name) was educated and trained in dancing, music and fine art, particularly sculpting. Initially wanted to become a professional dancer, she went into dressmaking given that period's unfavourable political and economic condition. She first started as dressmaker assistant and later on proceeded to start her own atelier. She became legendary for her couture work, especially her draping techniques and still regarded by some as a designer's designer. She never quite followed the fashion trends around her but concentrated on what inspired her best - sculpture and classicism. I did a small presentation on Madame Gres for one of the classes in uni, so here's a run-through on the couturier that she was

Presentation on Madame Gres - some of her key pieces

Presentation on Madame Gres - her style and influence

Presentation on Madame Gres - her designs in later period

Presentation on Madame Gres - her couture pieces

Presentation on Madame Gres - her intricate draping technique

The perfect wedding dress, an original Gres grecian dress

The reason why I brought up Madame Gres is that at the moment, I wish I'm in Paris because Musee Bourdelle is having an exhibition on her couture work. With about 80 pieces of her garments starting from 1934 until her last commissioned design in 1989, about 100 sketches and 50 original photographs from Richard Avedon and Guy Bourdin, I'll sell my grandmother for a plane ticket to Paris. Like, right now.