Madame Grès Haute Couture Polka Dot Draped Top, Spring/Summer 1985

Madame Grès was active as a couturier in Paris from the 1930s through the 1980s. Also known as Alix, she developed minimalist draping techniques executed with sculptural precision. This blouse is spiral-cut from a single piece of fabric, demonstrating the evolution of her expertise in drapery, developed over fifty years. The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a similar example, accession no. 1997.116.10.

Worn by Mica Ertegun (1929 - ), this Madame Grès blouse captures the poise of a woman surrounded by celebrity and glamour. Wife of the late Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, Mica Ertegun is known for her "mythic presence”, for her poise, as she and her husband sat at the helm of international society. Ertegun has been lauded for her originality in her fashion. For more, see James Reginato, “Mica Ertegun, the Nonagenarian Style Legend Who Shows No Signs of Stopping,” Vanity Fair, April 27, 2017

White silk printed with black polka-dots draped one shoulder asymmetrical top.
Label: Grès / Paris
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 57"
Waist: 48"
Hips: 54"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 32"

Property from the Collection of a Midwest University

Condition:

The overall condition is very good structurally though there is some soiling along the front neckline and left armhole as well as the back hemline near center. There are a few pulled threads in the front at the neckline, bust, and waist levels. The hemline is coming undone in sections throughout the entire hem.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

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Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Icons of Style: Summer Fashion & Accessories

Madame Grès Haute Couture Polka Dot Draped Top, Spring/Summer 1985

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