The Berlin exhibition, 'Many Shades of Gres', is a captivating exploration of the timeless elegance of Madame Gres' designs. This retrospective showcases 25 outfits from the renowned Parisian haute couture house, offering a glimpse into the designer's iconic style and influence on the fashion world.
Madame Alix Gres, a celebrated couturière of the 20th century, was known for her signature sculptural draping and innovative asymmetrical gowns. Her creations graced the likes of Princess Grace of Monaco, Greta Grabo, Marlene Dietrich, and Jacqueline Kennedy, solidifying her status as a master of French cinema fashion.
The exhibition, curated by Katrin Lindemann and Christian Mau de la Cerda, presents a diverse collection of Gres silhouettes. Many of these pieces originate from the Kamer-Ruf collection, acquired by the KGM in 2003, which includes 1,500 fashion objects and historical costumes from renowned designers like Schiaparelli, Chanel, Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Balmain.
Lindemann's meticulous research on the provenance of each Gres object adds depth to the exhibition. She reveals that some designs came from private individuals in New York, while others were auctioned off in Paris in 1993 by Madame Gres' daughter, who sold a significant portion of the company's archive.
What makes this exhibition truly remarkable is the collaboration between the KGM and students from the University of Applied Sciences. Over three semesters, students from various disciplines, including communications designers, game designers, clothing technologists, and museologists, created new works inspired by Madame Gres' designs.
The results are a testament to the enduring impact of Gres' style. From a simple athletic jacket transformed into a draped, gathered oversize nylon coat to a virtual exhibition space navigated with an Xbox controller, these contemporary interpretations showcase the timelessness of Gres' vision.
As Lindemann expresses, the exhibition is a celebration of Gres' timeless creations, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the designer's genius and the enduring appeal of her work. This retrospective is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts, providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of haute couture and the enduring legacy of Madame Gres.
