Fashion Tips

Fun Facts about Haute Couture

With Haute Couture right around the corner, we can’t help but think about the fabulousness that is this week-long series of fashion shows. As the fashion pack gathers in the French capital, the streets of Paris become alight with state-of-the-art clothes, savvy attitudes and leggy models running from one show to another.

The reason Haute Couture is such a celebrated week isn’t only because it brings together the industry’s most elitist personas. It’s also because it holds a much deeper meaning and encompasses some strict rules and a whole lot of meticulous work. In the age of Instagram, you’re likely to live the joyous vibes of Haute Couture through your live feed, but nothing beats having to witness all the greatness in a front-row seat, don’t you agree? That said, before you all get busy with all the Couture shenanigans, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to let you in on a few fun facts concerning the celebrated Haute Couture week.

  1. Paris Haute Couture Week is the most anticipated event on the fashion calendar and so, the world’s finest couturiers gather around in the city of love and fashion to present the rest of the world with their greatest work. But what’s really Haute Couture? Roughly translated, Haute Couture means “High Sewing” and points out to the business of sewing custom-made high-fashion women’s clothes.
  2. The Haute Couture “circle” is very elitist and so, not any high fashion brand can be called an Haute Couture house. To be called one, a brand must already belong to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, must have at least 15 employees in its atelier and present its collections twice a year with daywear to eveningwear pieces included. Dresses should be hand-sewn for several hundred hours and the collection should include 35 unique pieces.
  3. Haute Couture is a costly business and few Maisons can afford the entry fees. Enter the guest members – with the likes of Elie Saab and Armani Privé high on top of the list – who are based in Paris and play a big part in the French fashion industry.
  4. The syndicate has only 18 members, including Dior and Chanel amongst others and has a very limited market of 2000 regular customers who can actually afford the Haute Couture pieces.

For more on Haute Couture, click here to have a look at last season’s best bridal Haute Couture looks.

Happy Fashion Week!

 

Article Written by Cindy Menassa



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