A Look at Couture Clothing

When most people think of high fashion, they think of designer labels such as Coco Chanel, Giorgio Armani, and Gucci, all of which are well-known for creating well-designed and amazing looking clothes which are based off of highly-original custom designs. The clothes that they design are often referred to as “couture clothing”, which is a term used to designate the high-fashion clothing that is created by these renowned designers. Though you may not be as familiar with the term couture clothing as you are with the names of the designers who create these clothes, it’s almost a given that at some point you have seen examples of couture clothing (and may own a few pieces inspired by these designs yourself.)

How Couture Fashion Originated

Couture fashion has its beginning in “haute couture”, which is a French term meaning “high fashion.” The use of this term to describe specific fashions and their designers dates back to the middle of the nineteenth century, when Charles Worth established the first haute couture fashion house in Paris, France. Worth was followed in the early twentieth century by several other designers including Paul Poiret (who created the first couture perfume) and Coco Chanel (who redefined women’s fashion with the introduction of fitted suits for women and a variety of other designs.) A number of well-known looks originated from haute couture, including the look of the “flappers” in the 1920’s and even the use of zippers and decorative buttons. Many of the couture houses had to close during World War II, though Paris was later reinvigorated as a center of fashion by designers such as Christian Dior after the war’s end. By the end of the 60’s, haute couture fashion had begun expanding in multiple directions including ready-to-wear fashions and men’s lines by designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.

Rarity of Couture Fashion

True couture fashion is relatively rare, as it requires that the designer be a member of the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris. The Syndical Chamber itself is regulated by the French Department of Industry, and is made up of around 18 members who are required to have at least 15 employees and present new fashions at least twice per year (resulting in the fashion shows that you may be familiar with from various television programs.) Each of these shows must have at least 35 original designs presented in it, or else the designer may be in danger of losing their status as a member of the Syndical Chamber. It is estimated that a little over 2000 women around the world actually buy true couture fashion, with only around 200 or so of those being regular customers to the designers that they buy from. The majority of the clothes produced by these well-known designers are simply loaned out to actresses and other celebrities for movie premiers, award shows, and gala events, allowing the borrower to have a one-of-a-kind fashion piece for the event while at the same time giving the designer additional publicity.

Couture Fashion Alternatives

Obviously, the exclusivity of true couture fashion makes it prohibitively expensive for the common man or woman… after all, most people don’t have the money to be able to spend $10,000-$100,000 on a garment that they will likely never have a reason to wear or wear only once. There are other alternatives available which reflect the couture look without the prohibitive price, however; many couture designers have ready-to-wear clothing lines which are available at a number of retail outlets, allowing the fashion consumer to buy clothes designed by the famous makers but which are produced in larger quantities.  For those who want something a bit more exclusive - many designer clothing lines do allow for custom orders, or you find your very own private tailor or dress maker who will help you design the look that you desire without the price of true couture fashion.

Site for trading, selling or buying fashionable clothing. http://crossroadstrading.com/cm/Home.html

Articles that will be coming soon:

Couture clothing and our fascination with it. History of couture fashion. Couture fashion preferences.  What goes into making a couture outfit?

How one becomes a fashion designer? Are there any easy clothing design opportunities for the small business person?