The French word used for dressmaking or sewing now means much more, particularly when it is prefaced by the word haute or high. Couture fashion has come to mean garments created with a certain artistry, using superb materials and excellent workmanship. These garments are cut and fitted perfectly to suit the shape of a particular client. Many hours are devoted by numerous employees to bringing these creations to life, with attention paid to every tiny detail.
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.
Service, originality, workmanship and the quality of the materials used means that these garments command very high prices. In fact, only the very rich can afford them. Not many sales of such garments are made in a year and so the fashion houses have to look for other ways to make money. One may wonder why they continue to make them. The answer lies in the amount of publicity and media attention that is attracted by the shows and the high profile clients.
Ready-to-wear ranges are sold in department stores and boutiques. These garments reflect the signature looks of a particular brand without the extremely high price tags. They still offer good quality and style at more affordable prices. It is these garments as well as accessories like hats, bags, jewellery and perfumes that generate the money for the brand. Huge volumes of such items are often sold.
The designers usually introduce new styles, colors and trends in their collections. Week long events are held in London, Milan, New York and Paris where these collections are shown. These occasions give the brands a great deal of publicity and are attended by celebrities, journalists, bloggers and all the serious players in the world of fashion.
One has to wonder why the system keeps going as it has little financial benefit. The answer lies in the longer term benefits. Such garments raise the brand image and help to promote interest in their ready-to-wear collections. Those who can afford the garments consider them worth the price for the exclusivity they offer and the privacy afforded to them by the system. Others happily purchase ready-to-wear garments and accessories that still offer good quality and a particular look but without the hefty price tag.
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.
Service, originality, workmanship and the quality of the materials used means that these garments command very high prices. In fact, only the very rich can afford them. Not many sales of such garments are made in a year and so the fashion houses have to look for other ways to make money. One may wonder why they continue to make them. The answer lies in the amount of publicity and media attention that is attracted by the shows and the high profile clients.
Ready-to-wear ranges are sold in department stores and boutiques. These garments reflect the signature looks of a particular brand without the extremely high price tags. They still offer good quality and style at more affordable prices. It is these garments as well as accessories like hats, bags, jewellery and perfumes that generate the money for the brand. Huge volumes of such items are often sold.
The designers usually introduce new styles, colors and trends in their collections. Week long events are held in London, Milan, New York and Paris where these collections are shown. These occasions give the brands a great deal of publicity and are attended by celebrities, journalists, bloggers and all the serious players in the world of fashion.
One has to wonder why the system keeps going as it has little financial benefit. The answer lies in the longer term benefits. Such garments raise the brand image and help to promote interest in their ready-to-wear collections. Those who can afford the garments consider them worth the price for the exclusivity they offer and the privacy afforded to them by the system. Others happily purchase ready-to-wear garments and accessories that still offer good quality and a particular look but without the hefty price tag.
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