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Many Shades of Grès

Fashion Becomes Art

French fashion designer Madame Grès was considered one of the most important pioneers of haute couture in the 20th century.

  • Vanessa Hoffmann, Zweifarbiges Strickkleid, Merinowolle, Sommersemester 2024

    – Vanessa Hoffmann, Zweifarbiges Strickkleid, Merinowolle, Sommersemester 2024

  • Alix Grès, Abendrock mit bestickter Tunika, Paris, 1979

    Alix Grès, Abendrock mit bestickter Tunika, Paris, 1979

  • Alix Grès, Zweiteiliges weißes Abendkleid, Paris, um 1975

    Alix Grès, Zweiteiliges weißes Abendkleid, Paris, um 1975

The Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin (Museum of Decorative Arts) and the School of Culture and Design at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (University of Applied Sciences) are planning a joint exhibition ‒ the first to shed light on Madame Grès (1903–1993) for a German-speaking audience.

Grès was well-known in the 1930s for her floor-length, pleated gowns inspired by ancient sculptures. After the National Socialist occupation of Paris and her return to the city after its liberation, her success would continue into the 1960s. In 1976, while president of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, Grès received the Preis Dé d’Or, that organisation’s highest award. Her fashion house’s success dwindled in the 1980s, and the business was sold.

Grès’ designs reflect a continuous engagement with art and culture. The Kunstgewerbemuseum owns 24 outfits by Grès, primarily from the 1960s to 1980s.

Highlight: This show is one of the Top exhibitions 2026 in Berlin. 

Runtime: Fri, 15/05/2026 to Sun, 11/10/2026

Price info: Museum ticket Museum of Decorative Arts.

Kulturforum all exhibitions: 22,00 €

Price: €10.00

Reduced price: €5.00

Reduced price info: Kulturforum all exhibitions: 11,00 €

Children and young people up to the age of 18 are admitted free of charge.

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