Suit
Grès's propensity for draping does not repudiate tailoring. On the contrary, the methodology she uses in her drapery and its distinctive visual qualities are inherent in her tailored garments. In choosing the strict cut of the spencer from the wardrobe of men's military or service apparel, Grès begins with the regimen of a tailored idea. But she consummates the suit with a draper's forms. The jacket is cut on the bias; a dolman sleeve with underarm tuck creates ease at the front shoulder and thrusts the sleeve to the back. When an arm is placed in the sleeve, the sleeve is brought forward and creates regular folds and a sculpted volume at upper arm and torso. A simple flared skirt features pockets slashed without regard for the grain of the fabric, a rare occurrence in conventional tailoring. Resolutely, Grès is a dressmaker; she thinks as a dressmaker. Even a suit of tailored rigor becomes a manifesto of soft shaping and dressmaker's solutions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Suit
- Designer: Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs) (French, Paris 1903–1993 Var region)
- Date: 1950–51
- Culture: French
- Medium: wool, mother-of-pearl
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Disque D. Deane, 1968
- Object Number: C.I.68.60.2a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs)
ca. 1982
Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs)
1981–83
Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs)
ca. 1980
Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs)
1960s
Madame Grès (Germaine Émilie Krebs)
ca. 1968
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.