Haute Couture – when clothes are more than clothes
Haute Couture is the most exclusive in fashion, it is the sum of sublime craftsmanship and design.
For a fashion and textile nerd like me, it is definitely the most interesting to look into. This is where design cannot stand alone, it is the craftsmanship that is the foundation of the design. For a fashion house to become a registered Haute Couture house, they must be selected by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. There are several requirements you have to fulfil to be qualified as an official Haute Couture house.
Members must design made-to-order clothes for private clients, with more than one fitting.
Using an atelier (workshop) that employs at least fifteen full-time staff.
Presents 50 original designs every season (twice a year)
There are 15 Haute couture members - these are all fashion houses registered in France among those are - Dior, Givenchy and Chanel. If you are not registered in France as a fashion house, you can become a Corresponding member or a guest member.
Few fashion houses can live up to this, as it requires a significant capital - but it is very prestigious to be a member of this exclusive club.
It's always these Couture collections that I fall in love with. They have a magic about them, and you can see that nothing is left to chance.
This season I am completely in love with Fendi's graphic and airy expressions and the beautiful embroideries. For this season, I will be inspired by some of the beautiful details for one of my own creations.
