“Nothing about the fashion industry makes us dream like haute couture does. Extremely precise yet outstandingly creative, this discipline, officially started by Charles Frederick Worth in the 1860s.” Quoted
‘Haute Couture’ is the French word for the highest, most exclusive work a notable fashion house produces. Every year, in January and July, Paris hosts about 30 Haute Couture fashion shows.
To satisfy your couture sweet tooth, I’ve selected some of the most captivating close-ups that will allow you to see the details of my favorite gowns that hit the runways of Paris. From Chanel to Giambattista Valli, let us know which is your favorite.
Couture Inspired by Christian Dior Fall 2008
Couture Inspired by Elie Saab Fall 2012
Couture Inspired by ValentinoFall Winter 2013
Couture Inspired by Alexis Mabille Fall 2013
The amount of time associated with creating a couture gown from the first sketch to the final fitting is absolutely fascinating. Watch The Secret World of Haute Couture.
Couture Inspired by Giambattista Valli Fall 2013
Couture Inspired by Alexis Mabille Spring 2013
Couture Inspired by Valentino Fall 2011
Couture Inspired by ValentinoFall Winter 2013
Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Gaultier use couture as a marketing strategy for their more profitable ready-to-wear attire, fragrances and accessory lines.
Couture Inspired by Chanel Spring 2013
Over 2,200 seamstresses work behind the scene, you must appreciate their unique craftsmanship (all perfected by hand in an atelier).
Couture Inspired by Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010
Couture Inspired by Zuhair Murad Fall 2013
It can take 100 to 400 hours to make a gown, costing in the range of $26,000 to over $100,000.
Couture Inspired by Oscar Carvallo Spring 2013
Couture Inspired by Zuhair Murad Fall 2013
To qualify as couture, a garment must be entirely hand-made by one of the 11 Paris couture houses registered to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Each house must employ at least 20 employees and show a minimum of 75 new designs a year.
Couture Inspired by Giambattista Valli Fall 2013
