Haute Couture 101
When one thinks haute couture, you’d think over-the-top, difficult to pull off, unbelievably exorbitant and artfully or ghastfully designed numbers. But in fact, it is part and parcel of the luxury design industry; an irreplaceable form of craftsmanship that cannot be understated.
According to Business of Fashion, what makes haute couture has very specific criteria. Literally translated as high dressmaking, these dresses are often created specifically to fit a client’s measurements, akin to tailoring and are often reserved for high-profile events like the Met Gala. A design house that wants to sell haute couture must produce specifically 50 individual pieces every season (with one currently in July).
This year’s July haute couture season has been no less than mesmerising, with Valentino and Chanel in the spotlight. Valentino, an Italian fashion house renowned for floral prints and spring-inspired natural whimsy, has come up with a tour de force through their flowing capes, tastefully-designed gowns and gorgeous hair and make-up that evoke a mix of Baroque, East Asian influence and 70s-80s style. Chanel, meanwhile came up with a tribute to France’s post-WWII revolution in fashion with a stunning backdrop of old Paris mixed with retro braided hairstyles. The dresses were more reserved, with models donning military caps and uniform-like numbers.
As per usual, competition is extremely tight as these dresses are highly exclusive, hand-crafted and endured a lengthy time of production. To really absorb this year’s haute couture looks, download Vogue Runway (App Store exclusive) or check online sources. Labels such as Elie Saab and Givenchy never fail to impress yet their dressy numbers may start to be derivative in comparison to Valentino’s avant-gardism.
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Sources:
https://www.refinery29.com/amp/2018/07/203617/chanel-fall-2018-haute-couture-photo
https://fashionista.com/.amp/2018/07/valentino-couture-fall-2018-revie
https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/haute-coutur
Evoking the early 20th century French design aesthetic, braided hair, cinched tweed jackets yet complementary flowing skirts are the trend of Chanel this year. (Picture: refinery29.com)
A homage to 1950s glamour and Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy showcases clean silhouttes akin to Meghan Markle’s wedding dress. (Picture: www.vogue.com)
Long, flowing drapes with vintage technicolor prints, 70s to 80s style is reflected by bell-bottom pantsuits and big hairpieces. Valentino is a pure showstopper. (Picture: www.fashionista.com)
Elie Saab’s show is no match for avant-gard purists. Yet, his classic Spanish-inspired and Lebanese-rooted dresses are of course a staple. You can clearlybsee how many people love couture. (Picture: wwd.com)
