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.
Extremely high prices are charged for these garments and they are only affordable to a small clientele. For this reason, fashion houses would be unable remain in business if this was their only source of income. Their income has to come from other sources. This is why many of them produce ranges of ready-to-wear garments. The publicity generated by their fashionable, high profile clients and their shows, helps to promote their other ranges.
All this attention translates into sales of their ready-to-wear ranges. They are sold in boutiques and department stores to customers unable to afford the high prices of exclusively made garments but who still desire quality, stylish garments. Every designer has a specific look such as Chanel with its understated, tailored appeal and the avant-garde style of Christian Dior. These looks come through in their ready-to-wear garments and accessories. Dresses, scarves, perfumes, jewellery and bags often sell in large volumes and this is where the brands make their money.
It is the top designers who create new fashions and styles. They introduce the looks that filter down through the rest of the market. The fashion weeks held in Paris, New York, London and Milan are showcases for their designs and one of the main ways of advertising for a brand.
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.
Extremely high prices are charged for these garments and they are only affordable to a small clientele. For this reason, fashion houses would be unable remain in business if this was their only source of income. Their income has to come from other sources. This is why many of them produce ranges of ready-to-wear garments. The publicity generated by their fashionable, high profile clients and their shows, helps to promote their other ranges.
All this attention translates into sales of their ready-to-wear ranges. They are sold in boutiques and department stores to customers unable to afford the high prices of exclusively made garments but who still desire quality, stylish garments. Every designer has a specific look such as Chanel with its understated, tailored appeal and the avant-garde style of Christian Dior. These looks come through in their ready-to-wear garments and accessories. Dresses, scarves, perfumes, jewellery and bags often sell in large volumes and this is where the brands make their money.
It is the top designers who create new fashions and styles. They introduce the looks that filter down through the rest of the market. The fashion weeks held in Paris, New York, London and Milan are showcases for their designs and one of the main ways of advertising for a brand.
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.
About the Author:
Discover the concept of couture fashion and how it complements music by reading our published blogs. To know more about the topic, visit the relevant website right now at http://www.routafashionmusic.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment