c. 1981

Woman's Evening Ensemble: Top and Skirt

Madame Gres’s early training in sculpture is evident in her clothing, which often achieves the elegance of classical statuary. To create her famous "Grecian goddess gowns," she draped soft knit jersey knit on live models, forming graceful folds with her hands. This two-piece dress hangs flawlessly with no inner support. The top is made by running the fabric up over the shoulders and down the front and then swagging it back up, making a beautiful—and revealing—back.