If you believed haute couture was as simple as lovely dresses, it’s time to reassess. From the extravagant, detail-driven dress to regulations of what really qualifies as haute couture, this sector of the fashion industry is the embodiment of complex; yet, it’s probably one of the most engaging.
What Is Haute Couture?
Haute couture is managed by the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, and they determine what certifies as haute couture and who arrive on the main calendar– in truth, it’s invite-only for participation. Founded in 1911 by Charles Frederick Worth (also referred to as the “father of haute couture”), the Commission still follows his guidelines set years ago to promote the tradition of the craft. The standards consist of producing bespoke clothes for personal clients with more than one fitting and utilizing a minimum of 20 technical employees within their workshop; plus, each collection needs to consist of at least 50 initial styles, consisting of day and night looks, to be revealed every January and July.
These garments are crafted by the industry’s most proficient craftsmens with each piece in the collection being produced by hand. Contrary to ready-to-wear, haute couture pieces are distinctive instead of mass-produced; therefore, each piece is dealt with more like art in the sense that they’re collected and valued as a financial investment. It’s definitely no TikTok-evoked impulse buy, as one of these pieces of wearable art can run clients upwards of $100,000.
Who Buys Couture?
Satisfy the Expert
Allison Berlin is a style stylist and owner of the image consultancy company Style Made Simple.
As head stylist and owner of image consultancy Style Made Simple, Allison Berlin shares that haute couture is a rarity however still utilized worldwide. “I usually work with designers to create a couture piece for customers with significant events coming up like weddings and birthday celebrations; the very same applies for bespoke matching on the menswear side,” says Berlin.
And the benefits of haute couture don’t stop at that. “There are other luxury aspects like special and high-end materials to choose from and handmade elements like embroidery or hand-stitching that make these pieces extra special,” says Berlin. “With fits or dress, we get to have fun with enjoyable details like selecting the lining and including monograms.”
Normally, unlike ready-to-wear, the customers are even in presence at the shows. Plus, Hollywood starlets and stylists are regular show-goers, too, as haute couture pieces are red carpet staples, specifically at glamorous events like the Festival de Cannes or The Met Gala.
How to Get Couture on a Ready-to-Wear Budget
If going shopping the haute couture runways isn’t rather within your spending plan, there are other methods to choose into the benefits of bespoke clothing. “Ready-to-wear clothing is made from a single pattern that is graded up and down to develop a size-run; fit and quality assurance will vary depending upon designer and price point,” says Berlin. But, this isn’t an issue that can’t be repaired– with the aid of a tailor, alterations can be fast and economical to ensure your new preferred set of trousers looks like they were made just for you.
GleeCluster
Related Posts
No Comment