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.
Design houses must belong a particular organization in Paris and employ 15 or more people. They are required to present their collections twice a year and show at least 35 outfits, including both daytime and evening wear. Pierre Cardin, Coco Chanel, Elie Saab, Jean-Paul Gautier and Christian Dior are amongst the fashion giants who belong to this syndicate.
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.
Extremely high prices are charged for these garments and they are only affordable to a small clientele. For this reason, fashion houses would be unable remain in business if this was their only source of income. Their income has to come from other sources. This is why many of them produce ranges of ready-to-wear garments. The publicity generated by their fashionable, high profile clients and their shows, helps to promote their other ranges.
Ready-to-wear ranges are sold in department stores and boutiques. These garments reflect the signature looks of a particular brand without the extremely high price tags. They still offer good quality and style at more affordable prices. It is these garments as well as accessories like hats, bags, jewellery and perfumes that generate the money for the brand. Huge volumes of such items are often sold.
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.
One has to wonder why the system keeps going as it has little financial benefit. The answer lies in the longer term benefits. Such garments raise the brand image and help to promote interest in their ready-to-wear collections. Those who can afford the garments consider them worth the price for the exclusivity they offer and the privacy afforded to them by the system. Others happily purchase ready-to-wear garments and accessories that still offer good quality and a particular look but without the hefty price tag.
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.
Design houses must belong a particular organization in Paris and employ 15 or more people. They are required to present their collections twice a year and show at least 35 outfits, including both daytime and evening wear. Pierre Cardin, Coco Chanel, Elie Saab, Jean-Paul Gautier and Christian Dior are amongst the fashion giants who belong to this syndicate.
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.
Extremely high prices are charged for these garments and they are only affordable to a small clientele. For this reason, fashion houses would be unable remain in business if this was their only source of income. Their income has to come from other sources. This is why many of them produce ranges of ready-to-wear garments. The publicity generated by their fashionable, high profile clients and their shows, helps to promote their other ranges.
Ready-to-wear ranges are sold in department stores and boutiques. These garments reflect the signature looks of a particular brand without the extremely high price tags. They still offer good quality and style at more affordable prices. It is these garments as well as accessories like hats, bags, jewellery and perfumes that generate the money for the brand. Huge volumes of such items are often sold.
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.
One has to wonder why the system keeps going as it has little financial benefit. The answer lies in the longer term benefits. Such garments raise the brand image and help to promote interest in their ready-to-wear collections. Those who can afford the garments consider them worth the price for the exclusivity they offer and the privacy afforded to them by the system. Others happily purchase ready-to-wear garments and accessories that still offer good quality and a particular look but without the hefty price tag.
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