Fashion out of this World - Haute Couture - a dying Business?
Has the haute couture since the 60s several times been declared dead, while times of economic crisis it was actually believed, that nobody any more asks for these luxurious handcrafted fashion creations. Renowned fashion houses experienced a sharp decline in its top price segment.
In these times of economic crisis, yet couture reinvented itself. The time was projected in metaphors onto fashion - tight skirt lengths, see-through pencil skirts - something one saw at haute couture shows in Paris in 2009, which actually became smaller.
Today things are different again. Although, the rules to reach haute couture status as a designer, have not modified. The "Chambre Syndicale" today still determines, that an institution has to offer tailor-made collections for residential customers, which are produced in a studio in Paris by at least 15 craftsmen, and which are to be presented with a minimum of 35 looks twice a year at the couture shows. Only 14 fashion houses practice haute couture worldwide.
For the autumn / winter collection 2015/2016, the chief designers of "Valentino", Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccoli, invited, not as usual, to Paris, but presented their haute couture in Rome. The duo presented 59 looks as a tribute to the eternal city. Dresses were shown, that brought Cardinal robes to ones mind, that cite the arches of the Colosseum and ancient mosaic floors, or dresses like laurel wreaths, memories of female gladiators or Roman female goddesses were awakened. The stunning craftsmanship can get discrovered with regards to all looks.
The Unique Seeling Point of haute couture is tied to the fact, that sartorial art seems to stand still in time. Untouched from the technical progress tailors worked just as long at a design like they had been doing so 60 years ago. Consequently, one can say that Karl Lagerfeld with Chanel this year makes a revolution tangible: For his haute couture designs he used a new 3D technology. He explained its processes at his show in detail. And even if this innovation is not evident at first sight in the collections, they result in detail, in feeling and wearing the pieces. The designs are classic Chanel: knee-length skirts, dresses in slight tulip shape, boxy coats. However, designs were created with this new technology that do not show sutures. Thus, fashion haute couture yet developed further - even if it does not seem to be of this world.
What does Haute Couture mean?
Haute Couture is a French term that uniquely refers to the highest quality of craftsmanship and fashion. It refers to bespoke, high quality and luxurious clothing made by a designer or bespoke tailor. It can be made of high quality material such as silk, satin, brocade and chiffon. Haute couture is not mass produced and each garment is made individually, which makes it unique.
How did haute couture come into being?
Haute couture, the art of high quality and elaborate garment making, has been an important part of the fashion industry since the 19th century. The French term "haute couture" translates to "high-quality sewing." The genesis of this form of fashion began with a group of French couturiers who came together in the late 1800s to simplify the making of clothing. A system was developed that allowed fashion designers to tailor their creations in a way that guaranteed a perfect fit and a high standard of quality. This process became known as haute couture and quickly became an important part of the fashion world. Nowadays, haute couture is offered by many designers who offer sophisticated and exclusive creations for the elite of the fashion world.
What are the most important haute couture events?
1. Paris Fashion Week: this is the world's most important high fashion event, held in Paris every January and July. Collections from top designers such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton are presented here.
2. London Fashion Week: London is another hotspot for high fashion designers. London Fashion Week is held annually in February and September and includes shows by designers such as Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.
3. Milan Fashion Week: held annually in February and September, Milan Fashion Week provides another platform for showcasing high-fashion designs. Milan is known for its Italian designers such as Prada, Gucci and Versace.
4. New York Fashion Week: New York Fashion Week is one of the most important fashion events in the world. It is held twice a year in February and September and includes shows by top designers such as Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
5. Berlin Fashion Week: Berlin has established itself as an important center for fashion in recent years. Berlin Fashion Week takes place every year in January and July and includes shows by designers such as Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Karl Lagerfeld.
