What is Haute Couture?
Recently this week, the Fall 2013 Couture shows happened. From Armani to Elie Saab, all couture lines were present and prepared to show their bizarre and extravagant designs. With this occasion in mind, I noticed that not many people knew exactly what Haute Couture represents? So here’s a quick overview of Haute Couture.
Haute Couture means high fashion in French. Haute Couture is very expensive due to the extensive hours put into each garment. A suit can take up to 100 hours and a gown can take up to 1000 hours due to embellishments. Each garment is made to measure for each client and are essentially made by hand. From silks, wools, furs, and cashmere, the fabrics used are always of high quality and very expensive.
Craftsmanship is always nothing less of perfection. When clients decide to buy a piece of couture, they have to have an appointment with a vendeuse. A vendeuse is like a salesperson. With every client they bring in, they get a percentage of the amount paid. The process consists of three fittings with the client. Once the client’s measurements have been taken, the garment is laid flat or mis a plat. Next it will be taken apart into pieces and adjusted to the right measurements and put back together for the client. In the long run, Haute Couture isn’t a very successful endeavor.
Couture Houses put more into their designs and only a small percentage of people want and can afford Couture clothing. The reason why is because Couture clothing is focused on being very artistic and forward thinking. The clothing is treated like art and many want clothes that are clothes not a masterpiece.
Written by: Gia Gladden
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