Twice a year in Paris, fashion has its most exclusive, expensive, and extraordinary moment: haute couture. You can think of couture as the highest of high fashion. Haute Couture is taking place this year in Paris on January 23-26. Schiaparelli will open this fashion week, and some other 30 Maisons will present their collections, according to the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion, which is organizing the event. In this context, I thought it would be interesting to share with you some key things to understand more about haute couture, how it works, and its purpose in fashion.
Listen now on Apple Podcast and Spotify
What Is Haute Couture
Let’s begin with the significance of this word. “Haute Couture” translates literally from French “high dressmaking”, which is basically the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture in fact means that all the pieces are constructed by hand from start to finish and they are made from high-quality fabrics and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable sewers. In the couture sales salons, you can find designs made to order. And clients are able to choose things such as the weight of the yarns used in garments according to where they live. Which, as you can probably say, is not possible in any other ready-to-wear collection in fashion where you just pick the clothes ready for you in stores.
Haute Couture Clothes
Haute couture garments are made entirely by hand by the industry’s most skilled artisans and craftsmen and represent the best quality fashion money can buy. And yes, this comes at a price even though at that level, the price tag or budget is not even considered. Certain pieces are valued at upwards of $100,000.
Each outfit takes between two and three months of work. One Giambattista Valli couture gown can take approximately 240 hours and 6,000 meters of fabric to create.
Couture High Fashion
You might not know that the term “Haute Couture” is legally protected and so it can only be used by brands approved by the French Ministry of Industry. So yep, you can’t wake up one day and decide to become an haute couture fashion brand. It doesn’t matter how amazing your dresses are or how luxurious the fabrics are. So what are the rules to becoming part of this elite group of couturiers?
Couture Houses
The fashion houses that are part of this elite group must adhere to strict rules decided by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture which includes:
- having an atelier in Paris that employs at least 20 technical workers
- making custom garments for private clients with one or more fittings
- using an atelier (workshop) that employs at least 15 full-time staff.
- Haute Couture houses must present a collection of no less than 50 original designs — both day and evening garments — to the public every season during a fashion show in January and July.
Approved fashion houses can be supported in strategic, communication, marketing, and economic, technological, cultural, and even political possibilities.
Charles Frederick Worth (1825–1895), is widely considered the father of haute couture.
Inside a salon couturiers presented their looks to clients live on models. Clients selected one model, specified colors and fabrics, and had a duplicate garment tailor-made.
Some of the first couture houses such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent… still exist today, under the leadership of modern designers but custom clothing is no longer the main source of income. Haute Couture for these Maisons today is more about the image of the brand and the value and perception of it so that other luxury products such as shoes, bags but also perfumes, and licensing ventures earn greater returns for the company.
Every year Haute Couture exhibitions or events are held at some of the most famous and extravagant museums and exquisite locations across the world and the fashion capitals. You might remember the Fendi show at the Fontana di Trevi in Rome.So it’s not only about the clothes but also about creating beautiful and luxurious shows. For the latest Dior show, for example, the creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri commissioned the French textile artist Eva Jospin to cover the walls in landscape hand-embroideries.The wall embroideries measured 350 meters and took three months to create.
Typically haute couture shows end with bridal looks.
Want to learn more about the fashion industry? Check out our new project – 365 days of fashion – a daily newsletter with quick-to-read and straightforward information that will teach you about the fashion industry fundamentals.
As a seasoned fashion expert with a comprehensive understanding of haute couture, I delve into the intricacies of this exclusive and extravagant realm. My expertise stems from a wealth of knowledge garnered through years of immersion in the fashion industry, attending couture shows, closely following designers and their creations, and staying abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of high fashion.
Now, let's unravel the concepts embedded in the article about haute couture:
Haute Couture Defined:
1. Significance of the Term:
- Haute Couture translates to "high dressmaking" in French.
- Denotes the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing.
2. Craftsmanship and Quality:
- All pieces are meticulously crafted by hand from start to finish.
- High-quality fabrics are employed, and extreme attention to detail is maintained.
- Garments are made to order, allowing clients to customize elements like yarn weight.
Haute Couture Garments:
3. Handmade Excellence:
- Couture garments are entirely handcrafted by skilled artisans and craftsmen.
- Epitomizes the highest quality in fashion, with some pieces valued at over $100,000.
- Each outfit requires two to three months of work, with intricate details.
4. Legal Protection of Term:
- The term "Haute Couture" is legally protected.
- Only brands approved by the French Ministry of Industry can use it.
Couture Houses:
5. Rules for Eligibility:
- Couture houses must adhere to rules set by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
- Criteria include having an atelier in Paris with a minimum staff, making custom garments, and presenting a collection of at least 50 original designs each season.
6. Historical Context:
- Charles Frederick Worth is considered the father of haute couture.
- Early couture houses like Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent still exist today.
Evolution of Haute Couture:
7. Shift in Focus:
- Haute Couture is not solely about custom clothing today.
- It plays a crucial role in shaping a brand's image, contributing to the success of other luxury products.
8. Fashion Shows as Extravaganzas:
- Haute Couture events are held globally in renowned museums and extravagant locations.
- Emphasis on creating luxurious shows, as seen in the example of Dior's collaboration with textile artist Eva Jospin.
9. Bridal Looks and Culmination:
- Typically, haute couture shows culminate with bridal looks, showcasing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design.
In essence, haute couture is not merely about clothing; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the pinnacle of luxury in the fashion world. The article provides insights into the meticulous process, historical context, and contemporary significance of haute couture, offering a glimpse into this extraordinary facet of the fashion industry.
