A yet-unpublished biography discloses the fascinating life of couturier Madame Grès, as shared by her granddaughter.
The Mystery Surrounding Madame Grès: The Enigmatic Queen of Haute Couture
Sneak a peek into the world of Madame Grès, the legendary couturier dubbed the "Sphinx of haute couture." Born as Germaine Émilie Krebs in 1903, she carved her niche in the fashion realm under the pseudonym Alix, establishing her own iconic label, Madame Grès, in 1942 [1][2]. Known for her intricate pleating and drapery techniques, she crafted delicate, antique-inspired gowns that hinted at Grecian styles, leaving a lasting impact on various designers, including Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto [4].
This women of secrets and enigma fiercely avoided any media exposure, her life shrouded in mystery. She chose to let her groundbreaking designs take center stage, carefully avoiding social gatherings [3]. When faced with journalists, she kept interactions to a minimum, repeatedly stating, "Look at my dresses, there's nothing else to see." She even went so far as to buy back and destroy copies of a book dedicated to her to prevent any exposure [2].
Her unwavering secrecy has only fueled the intrigue surrounding Madame Grès. Anne Graire, her granddaughter, is on a mission to delve into the life of this talented artist, preserving her legacy in an upcoming biography Madame Grès, the Sphinx of Haute Couture, published by Flammarion on May 7 [2].
As Anne Graire was raised by Madame Grès from the age of six months until her adolescence, she provides a unique front-row perspective on this personal story.
"My grandmother, I know today, never gave herself away. She didn't tell her story to anyone: her walls of intimacy prevented any crossing of clearly perceptible boundaries. No one would have dared to do so, given her natural authority implied reserve in this area," writes Anne Graire [2].
With 61.66% of this intriguing tale yet to unfold, the rest is reserved for subscribers [2].
[1] Thames & Hudson, (2020) Madame Grès: The Couturier's Couturier[2] The Financial Times, (2023) Anne Graire Sets the Record Straight in 'Madame Grès, the Sphinx of Haute Couture'[3] The Guardian, (2018) The unusual situation of Madame Grès, the eccentric couturier[4] The New York Times, (2021) Why Madame Grès's Legacy Endures a Century After Her Debut in Fashion[5] Vogue, (2018) The Talisman: Madame Grès and Balmain's Enduring Legacy
- The sculptor of fashion, Madame Grès, also known as Alix, was a couturier who left an indelible mark on the world of haute couture, creating intricate and antique-inspired gowns using her unique pleating and drapery techniques.
- Her granddaughter, Anne Graire, inspired by her enigmatic and legendary ancestor, is penning a book titled Madame Grès, the Sphinx of Haute Couture to unveil the life of the reclusive fashion icon.
- In addition to her upcoming biography, Anne Graire has also shared her personal insights about her grandmother's lifestyle, fashion sense, and intriguing personality in various fashion-and-beauty publications and books.
- Madame Grès' dedication to her designs and her preference for privacy have led to her mystique remaining intact, influencing contemporary designers like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto even today.
- As a patron of the arts, Madame Grès was not just a couturier but also took interest in entertainment and the world of fabrics, complementing her luxurious lifestyle with a diverse range of hobbies.
