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.
They are required to fulfill certain conditions such as belonging to a particular syndicate in Paris and having 15 or more employees. Day and evening wear collections of 35 outfits or more have to be presented twice every year. Some of the top designers who belong to the syndicate are Christian Dior, Chanel, Elie Saab, Jean-Paul Gautier and Pierre Cardin.
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.
Most of these giant brands have ready-to-wear collections. These are still quality garments and capture the signature style of the brand without the hefty price tag. Most houses also have ranges of accessories like bags and scarves as well as perfumes. It is these items that are often purchased in large quantities, enabling the brands to continue making exclusive garments that do not make them 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.
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.
They are required to fulfill certain conditions such as belonging to a particular syndicate in Paris and having 15 or more employees. Day and evening wear collections of 35 outfits or more have to be presented twice every year. Some of the top designers who belong to the syndicate are Christian Dior, Chanel, Elie Saab, Jean-Paul Gautier and Pierre Cardin.
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.
Most of these giant brands have ready-to-wear collections. These are still quality garments and capture the signature style of the brand without the hefty price tag. Most houses also have ranges of accessories like bags and scarves as well as perfumes. It is these items that are often purchased in large quantities, enabling the brands to continue making exclusive garments that do not make them 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.
