Cocktail ensemble

Jacques Griffe began his career in fashion apprenticing for a tailor in his hometown of Carcassonne, France. He then went to work for a couturier, Mirra, in Toulouse, who followed the Paris collections. After fulfilling his military service, he went to work with Vionnet from 1936-1939, as a cutter, and it was here that he perfected the technique of draping and executing design ideas on a small mannequin. In 1942, he opened his own house in Paris in the rue Gaillon, later moving to 29, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. After Molyneux's retirement in 1950, Griffe moved into his rooms at 5, rue Royale. Griffe is remembered as a master in draping and cut and understanding the relationship between the fabric and the body.

This dress is likely an interpretation of Coco Chanel's 1927 little black dress. The chemise silhouette has been slightly altered to match that of the fifties. The dress has been belted at the waist, creating an hour-glass figure. The self tie at the neck and the asymmetrical button closure is very flattering and eye catching and the cut of the jacket is well thought out, for it allows the bow to show whether on or off.