Friday, May 15, 2015

The Essence Of Couture Fashion

By Tammie Caldwell


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.

Bespoke garments were considered a necessity for high-class Parisians in the 19th century. They wanted to make sure the garments they wore set them apart from other women. There is still an opulence and exclusivity that surrounds the label and it can only be used by a select number of designers who have to meet the standards.

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.

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.

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.

It is the top designers who create new fashions and styles. They introduce the looks that filter down through the rest of the market. The fashion weeks held in Paris, New York, London and Milan are showcases for their designs and one of the main ways of advertising for a brand.

Producing these exclusive garments is seen by many brands as a long-term investment. They augment their image and raise the profile of their ready-to-wear ranges. Those able to afford the garments are quite happy to pay for the exclusivity and the privacy this system offers them.




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