The Many Shades of Grès exhibition dedicated to the legendary French haute couture house Madame Grès opened at the Berlin Cultural Forum on May 15. The exhibition will run until October and will introduce visitors to the work of one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century — Alix Grès, better known as Madame Grès.
The exhibition will showcase 25 original outfits from the collection of the Berlin Museum of Decorative Arts. This is one of the largest collections of Madame Grès's works outside of Paris. The designer became famous for her intricate drapery, asymmetric silhouettes, and dresses inspired by ancient sculpture. Among her famous clients were Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The organizers decided to display not only the archival works of the couturier but also the influence of her aesthetics on contemporary fashion. To this end, the museum collaborated with students from the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. Young designers created projects inspired by Madame Grès's legacy, including clothing, digital installations, and multimedia objects. Among the exhibits are voluminous draped coats, experimental textile works, and virtual spaces controlled by gaming controllers.
The exhibition will also tell the creative journey of Madame Grès herself. In the 1930s, she gained fame for her long pleated dresses reminiscent of ancient statues. Later, the designer headed the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and was awarded the prestigious Dé d’Or prize. Despite the decline of the fashion house in the 1980s, Grès's works are still considered a symbol of elegance and a sculptural approach to fashion.
In the editorial's opinion, the exhibition Many Shades of Grès is interesting not only for fans of haute couture but also for anyone who wants to see how fashion can transform into true art, combining classical aesthetics, architectural forms, and modern technologies.
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