Updated 8/11/2024
When you think of couture houses, it’s easy to list several in a manner of seconds. Chanel, Givenchy, Christian Dior…these high-end fashion houses’ couture garments show strict adherence to quality requirements by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.So how do you find yourself showcasing your haute couture pieces at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week?
What is Couture Fashion
Let’s answer the question – “what is couture fashion?” Otherwise known as haute couture, this level of fashion represents the highest pinnacle. These custom-fitted garments are crafted from start to finish.
Unlike ready-to-wear- garments, couture pieces are created for individuals. Made from the finest materials, these items are tailored precisely to body measurements. The process involves exceptional attention to detail. Skilled artisans spend hundreds of hours in design and creation. Couture is considered wearable art that embodies a designer’s vision. Often, haute couture pushes fashion’s boundaries.
History of Couture Fashion
The father of haute couture, Charles Frederick Worth, founded his house back in 1858. He initiated the idea of a collection of couture clothes and salon shows. The exclusive custom-fitted clothing were modeled by live models. Then, couture clients provided their measurements and custom selections. Although not a French Fashion Designer, he built his business in Paris and encompassed the luxuriousness of the French fashion culture.
Worth would also lay the foundation for Fashion Week; he organized his fashion collections to be shown twice a year. Seeing what the House of Worth accomplished, other designers joined in the Paris couture market. This is why Paris Couture Week is still such a coveted event to this day by fashion companies, fashion editors, and more. It is every fashion model’s dream to walk in the couture fashion capital’s show.
Couture and Ready-to-Wear Clothing
Garments created in haute couture fashion houses are known for their one-of-a-kind design, high-quality fabrics (and ornamentation), extreme attention to detail, and custom fit.
Fortunately, couture designers and other luxury houses offer ready-to-wear luxury clothing. Still luxurious and coveted, ready-to-wear refers to clothing that is considered more affordable fashion (for some). They are produced in standard sizes and made available to boutiques and department stores. Meant to be purchased by a wider audience, the clothing is produced in larger qualities. This does not mean that quality has been skimped. They are still made of premium materials and carry a high level of prestige.
Luxury Ready-to-Wear Clothing Industry
Although not full-on French couture, the same couture sewing techniques and fabrics can be found in high-end ready-to-wear collections.
- Excellent Quality. Finest fabrics and custom creation. The fabrics used are often of superior quality and/or unique textiles. Therefore, the garment creation process is usually more time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Celebrity Designer. Both couture and RTW designers are well-known and fall in the celebrity category. No longer simply behind the scenes, they are openly appreciated for their exquisite creations thoughtfully dreamed, designed and executed. They often end up befriending fashion enthusiasts, celebrities and couture collectors.
- Clothing Brands. Designer clothing brands are known for being exclusive and prestigious. In addition the garments, there is a general brand image that is associated with a couture business. It is exactly why logos are so welcome on many garments and custom clothing.
- Meticulous Attention to Detail. When it comes to the couture industry, designers turn to more traditional craftsmanship techniques such as couture sewing, hand-stitching, embroidery, and other processes involving a high level of skill. With these techniques, each garment bring with it a sense of heritage and authenticity.
- Exclusivity. Couture clothing and accessories are often produced in limited quantities or as one-of-a-kind. Similar to a Birkin, there often is a special VIP list for these items.
Why Haute Couture Fashion Houses are Important
There are many reasons why it’s important to have a set of standards for haute couture fashion. While we appreciate all levels of fashion, it is important to differentiate them to protect the artistic integrity of these houses.
Innovation. When you think of haute couture, it is okay to consider this style that you may not be able to walk down the street in. This type of clothing was not created with consideration to the commercial market. In fact, they purposely tend to choose fabric, lines, and ornamentation that cannot be mass produced. Thus, it allows designers to use unusual fabrics (or mediums) and innovative techniques.
- Artisanship. Tailors and seamstresses already ‘wow’ us with their skills and talent that go beyond accurate measurements. And when it comes to unique haute couture designs, you can only imagine the skillset needed. Their impeccable craftsmanship ensures every detail is calculated and executed properly. Then, there is the extra step of the perfect fit (once constructed).
- Trendsetting. All designers and fashion makers look to haute couture for inspiration. From these innovative styles, future designs are born; those that may be able to be outfitted to suit a more public market.
Haute Couture Today
With this level of exclusivity (and price tag), it is not surprising to learn that haute couture has and will always have a special buyer in mind.
- Royalty. It is no surprises that haute couture designers love providing royal families access to their original designs. Often, princesses and queens are known for being stylish women. While not obtainable, the public looks to them to see what they are wearing next. Just think about how Markle’s wedding gown choices inspired brides across the world (and fashion designers).
- High-Society. Celebrities have couture designers wanted to dress them. The feeling is mutual as this group is also clamoring for these exclusive garments. What better way to stand out or make a statement than with an innovative, haute couture piece?
- Collectors. Avant-garde items are especially coveted by collectors. With a love for wearable art, they see the value and significance in these special garments. They are certainly an investment that holds great meaning to these individuals.
In today’s fashion industry, you will also find other style enthusiasts and influencers donning haute couture clothing. The fortunate ones, of course! It isn’t easy to make these connections. However when you do, we can only imagine how it must feel to attend the next fashion event wearing a custom piece. What better way to say you’ve made it in the fashion industry?
The Future of Couture Fashion
The fashion industry continues to look at sustainability and ways to address additional ethical concerns. This does not have to mean the end of couture fashion. It is simply an additional challenge and/or inspiration to look for new textiles that are ethically sourced.
What’s beautiful about haute couture is that it is that perfect mix of innovative designs and design innovation. The standards set are certainly historically rooted; they also have adapted with today’s industry regulations. Fashion house teams provide the space for these workers to create, perfect their skills and share them with others. When garment manufacturing has embraced mass production, there is still a place for custom-fitted clothing.
