A term that can literally be translated from the French as sewing or dressmaking has come to mean so much more. When the French word haute is placed in front of it, it refers to an excellence in the making of garments. Couture fashion is often made largely by hand and great attention is paid to every detail. Exclusive clients expect a perfect fit for the prices they are prepared to pay.
There is a long history in France of such excellence in making garments. High-class Parisians wanted to wear dresses that no-one else was wearing so they could stand out from the competition. The label retains this aura of exclusivity and opulence today. It can only be used by select designers who adhere to certain conditions.
Elie Saab, Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior and Jean-Paul Gautier are some of these designers. There are about 18 members who belong to a particular syndicate in Paris, employ the required number of 15 or more people and present collections twice a year. Collections must consist of at least 35 outfits that can be worn during the day or in the evening.
The fabrics used for their garments are superb such as luxurious silks, fine wools, soft cashmere and leather. Hours of workmanship are spent on each piece and many individuals may work on it. The ideas behind these garments are original and each designer has a particular style. Chanel is known for its understated elegance while Christian Dior is more avant garde.
The originality, quality materials and excellence of workmanship all contribute to the high prices charged for such garments. They are only affordable to a very small, select clientele. However, the high profile clients and fashion shows garner much publicity for the brands, and this helps promote their other ranges that are more profitable.
All this attention translates into sales of their ready-to-wear ranges. They are sold in boutiques and department stores to customers unable to afford the high prices of exclusively made garments but who still desire quality, stylish garments. Every designer has a specific look such as Chanel with its understated, tailored appeal and the avant-garde style of Christian Dior. These looks come through in their ready-to-wear garments and accessories. Dresses, scarves, perfumes, jewellery and bags often sell in large volumes and this is where the brands make their money.
The designers usually introduce new styles, colors and trends in their collections. Week long events are held in London, Milan, New York and Paris where these collections are shown. These occasions give the brands a great deal of publicity and are attended by celebrities, journalists, bloggers and all the serious players in the world of fashion.
So, the practice of producing these exclusive garments continues. A few rich clients benefit from the service and privacy offered by such a system as well as owning garments that are made to fit them perfectly. The publicity helps to build the image of the brand, ensuring that their ready-to-wear ranges are in great demand. Those who love the styles but cannot afford the high prices can enjoy these garments and accessories like scarves, bags and perfumes at a price more affordable to them. Everybody wins and this is why such a system continues to exist.
There is a long history in France of such excellence in making garments. High-class Parisians wanted to wear dresses that no-one else was wearing so they could stand out from the competition. The label retains this aura of exclusivity and opulence today. It can only be used by select designers who adhere to certain conditions.
Elie Saab, Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior and Jean-Paul Gautier are some of these designers. There are about 18 members who belong to a particular syndicate in Paris, employ the required number of 15 or more people and present collections twice a year. Collections must consist of at least 35 outfits that can be worn during the day or in the evening.
The fabrics used for their garments are superb such as luxurious silks, fine wools, soft cashmere and leather. Hours of workmanship are spent on each piece and many individuals may work on it. The ideas behind these garments are original and each designer has a particular style. Chanel is known for its understated elegance while Christian Dior is more avant garde.
The originality, quality materials and excellence of workmanship all contribute to the high prices charged for such garments. They are only affordable to a very small, select clientele. However, the high profile clients and fashion shows garner much publicity for the brands, and this helps promote their other ranges that are more profitable.
All this attention translates into sales of their ready-to-wear ranges. They are sold in boutiques and department stores to customers unable to afford the high prices of exclusively made garments but who still desire quality, stylish garments. Every designer has a specific look such as Chanel with its understated, tailored appeal and the avant-garde style of Christian Dior. These looks come through in their ready-to-wear garments and accessories. Dresses, scarves, perfumes, jewellery and bags often sell in large volumes and this is where the brands make their money.
The designers usually introduce new styles, colors and trends in their collections. Week long events are held in London, Milan, New York and Paris where these collections are shown. These occasions give the brands a great deal of publicity and are attended by celebrities, journalists, bloggers and all the serious players in the world of fashion.
So, the practice of producing these exclusive garments continues. A few rich clients benefit from the service and privacy offered by such a system as well as owning garments that are made to fit them perfectly. The publicity helps to build the image of the brand, ensuring that their ready-to-wear ranges are in great demand. Those who love the styles but cannot afford the high prices can enjoy these garments and accessories like scarves, bags and perfumes at a price more affordable to them. Everybody wins and this is why such a system continues to exist.
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