Germaine Émilie KREBS (1903–1993), known as Alix BARTON and later as "Madame Grès", relaunched her design house under the name Grès in Paris in 1942. Prior to this, she worked as "Alix" during the 1930s. Formally trained as a sculptress, she produced haute couture designs for an array of fashionable women. Her signature was cut-outs on gowns that made exposed skin part of the design, yet still had a classical, sophisticated feel. She was renowned for being the last of the haute couture houses to establish a ready-to-wear line, which she called a "prostitution". The name "Grès" was a partial anagram of her husband's first name and alias. He was Serge CZEREFKOV, a Russian painter, who left her soon after the house's creation. House of Grès entered the perfume world in 1959 and "Parfums Grè"s now has a rich heritage and genuine legitimacy in perfumery. In fact, few brands can lay claim to a fragrance like "Cabochard" that is almost 60 years old, or one like "Cabotine" that remains the gold standard 25 years after its launch. "Parfums Grès" is looking to assert its status as a key player in "prestige" perfumery by offering its own interpretation of Parisian chic while drawing inspiration from the brand's couture roots. With this in mind, "Parfums Grès" is moving its visual and olfactory identity towards a characteristically French modern minimalism in line with the very unique hallmarks of GRES dresses. In 1947 the first perfume, "A de Grès", is launched. Couture and perfume have sat side by side ever since, influencing one another and reflecting Madame GRES’ unique skills and understanding of design. Inspired by Madame GRES' trip to India, "Cabochard" is launched in 1959, quickly achieving international success and propelling the fashion house to the rank of international business. The Parfums Grès company is founded. In 1988 the Grès fashion house is acquired by Japanese group Yagi Tsusho Limited, which owns it to this day. "Cabotine de Grès" is launched in 1990. This is a joyful fragrance targeting the daughters of the "Cabochard" ladies. Madame GRES died in 1993, however the news were not revealed until the following year as her daughter wished for it to remain a secret.