Ready-to-wear or haute couture? How about both? The once huge trend of haute couture is a dying breed, nevertheless just as beautiful as before. The term "haute couture" is so loosely used nowadays and many people don't know the definition. The haute couture concept stems from the fashion houses of Paris and London as early as 19th century. Clothes are custom-made to the client, must be sewn by hand, and must be domestic.
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| Vivienne Westwood Collection displayed in 2010 |
As haute couture has evolved, we have seen heavy and light textile trends over centuries and decades based on trends and designer evolution. However, what sets haute couture apart today from the past is that not all haute couture displayed on the runways is wearable. In earlier times, the clothes were almost always a display of wearable clothing. Women would flock to Paris twice a year to see the trends and order custom-made clothing for the upcoming season. Nowadays, very few exist that do this compared to other decades.
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| Regina Relang for Givenchy, 1953. |
Today, high society women enter boutiques and can buy three Versace gowns for the price of one custom-made gown. Moreover, one custom luncheon suit can easily run you $20,000- and that's just lunch. By the 1960's we saw a move into "ready-to-wear" high fashion, where designers started selling more and more to upscale department stores in New York per say. Shows are a stream of lavish unwearable clothes, and seek the attention of the press. Nothing wrong with this evolution; it's marketing and realistic to the times.
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| Armani Prive 2010-2011 "Office Wear" |
If you think you've been wearing "high fashion", it may be time to re-evaluate your fabulous ready-to-wear collection. Your fabulous street wear doesn't count.
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| High Fashion Couture? NOT! |
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