1971 Documented Madame Gres Haute Couture Black Silk & Lace Dress

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 design and a documented piece from the haute couture fall 1971 collection.  We have referenced the exact dress from an editorial shoot by the renowned French photographer Patrick Bertrand.

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 of her 90th birthday in 1993. 

MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 35 in (88.9 cm) 
Waist - 27 in (68.6 cm) 
Hip - 36 in (91.4 cm) 
Length - 46 in (116.8 cm) 
Shoulders - 16 in (40.6 cm)