Medium: Black matte silk jersey

Date: 1938

Country: France

Credit: Gift of Mr. Rodman A. Heeren

A brilliant example of Grès's modern appropriation and reconfiguration of classicism can be seen in this matte silk jersey gown. While startling in its modernist clarity of line - note the sharply defined halter neckline and the open back cut away to form a near perfect square of flesh - it also reveals the link to Grès's version of classicism with the gathering of finely pleated jersey at the central of the torso. Another important early variation on the classical Greek-inspired gown is Grès's use of a color other than white.

Object Number: 70.57.68