Exploring the Essence of Haute Couture: A Dive into High Fashion Mastery
- Juliana Barreto Pinto
- 14 abr 2024
- 4 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 31 ene
By Juliana Barreto Pinto
Haute Couture is a French term for the most exclusive and expensive garments in the world. The clothes that are part of this category are usually made in the fashion capitals of the world, such as Paris, New York, Milan, or London. Additionally, they are usually handmade by expert artisans, with extremely expensive and exclusive fabrics, and are made for specific people, that is, they are custom-made.
When we hear the word, Haute Couture, we instantly think of the most famous brands in the fashion industry, and not only that but a specific city also comes to our minds, and that is Paris. Have you asked yourself why? well, it’s because it first started there nearly 4 centuries ago! (It’s been here for a while now.)
Schiaparelli SPRING 2022 COUTURE
How did it start?
It all started in the 18th century, when France became the center of the arts. The French Court of Versailles was the archetype of music, architecture, and most importantly… fashion. Whatever was used by the king or the people surrounding him was copied throughout Europe by the local dressmakers of each country. However, Parisian garments were always considered way better than the copies made elsewhere.
Now, the Haute Couture didn’t officially start until Charles Frederick Worth appeared on the scene. Considered as the father of Haute Couture, Worth an Englishman born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, made a huge impact in the fashion industry in France. He opened his first atelier in Paris called House of Worth in 1858. The way he worked was basically showcasing his designs on live models. That way people or more specifically women, could choose their favorite, and afterwards customize it to their liking with the fabrics and colors they wanted, and thus be able to have a duplicate dress made to measure. One of the things that characterized Worth was that he combined that exclusivity with standardization, something a bit similar to Ready-to-Wear.
Charles Frederick Worth
The term Haute Couture.
In France the term Haute Couture is not something that can be “added” to the name of a brand just for the sake of it. It carries legal weight since it’s the epitome of what is the most luxurious fashion in the world, and can only be attributed to trademarks that meet certain requirements.
These specifications were regulated in 1945 by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the foremost fashion authority in France. Since that point, the following requirements have been used to classify a brand as a high couture brand.
In order to be catalogued as a "high fashion brand" the company has to:
Craft custom-designed garments for individual clients. (Exclusive clients usually with great financial power.)
Operate a Parisian atelier with a workforce of 20 artisans and a technical team of at least 20 members.
Showcase biannual collections of no less than 25 unique creations during Paris Couture Week in January and July.
Currently, there are only a few designers who have the classification of haute couture in the industry. Among them are:
Christian Dior.
Givenchy.
Jean Paul Gaultier.
Maison Margiela.
Schiaparelli.
Elie Saab.
Giorgio Armani
Valentino.
Versace.
Viktor & Rolf.
Most of them have their ateliers in Paris, however certain are located in other countries.
One thing to have in mind, is that clothing manufacturing is no longer the main source of revenue for these brands. Now many of them have other incomes such as perfumes, handbags, shoes, among others. Being classified as a couture house nowadays is more about status and people's perception of their value in the industry.
Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024
To conclude this article, let’s summarize a bit what we talked about here. Haute couture stands as a beacon of unparalleled craftsmanship, creativity, and luxury in the world of fashion. From its roots in 19th-century Paris to its evolution into a global symbol of sartorial excellence, haute couture continues to captivate and inspire fashion enthusiasts around the world.
With its emphasis on artisanal skill, attention to detail, and commitment to individuality, haute couture remains an enduring testament to the artistry and innovation that define the highest echelons of the fashion industry.
As we continue to celebrate the legacy and ingenuity of haute couture, let us also honor the visionaries and artisans who continue to push the boundaries of design and redefine the standards of beauty and elegance.
Hope you had some of your doubts resolved! if you still have some questions, let us know in the comments below!
Until next time Style Legion!,
Juliana, The Fashion Speaker ;)
References.
Beverly Hills Design Institute. (2017, 15 febrero). What is Haute Couture | Beverly Hills Design Institute.
France.fr. (2021, 13 enero). Everything You Need To Know About Haute-Couture. Explore France.
Graziano, G. (2024, 29 enero). Haute Couture – Everything you need to know under 10 minutes. GLAM OBSERVER. https://glamobserver.com/haute-couture-everything-you-need-to-know-under-10-minutes/
Haute Couture | Fashion A-Z | BOF Education | The Business of Fashion | #BOFEDucation. (s. f.). The Business of Fashion. https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/haute-couture
Indvik, L. (2020, 8 julio). La historia de la alta costura en cifras. Vogue España. https://www.vogue.es/moda/articulos/alta-costura-cifras-disenadores
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