Since 1945, the Federation Française de la Couture du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode has enforced qualification requirements starting with made-to-measure.
By: Meg Gallagher
After a Paris show, a customer must make an appointment with the atelier and have the runway sample re-made custom for him or her. We know that such craftsmanship requires hours of work and thousands of dollars.
Over the years the demand for these paragons of fashion has fallen. Today fashion houses operate couture as an expense. However twice a year courtiers continue to share their latest masterpieces with the world. First in late January for spring/summer, and second in late July for fall/winter. And while on the surface this seems most fiscally unsound, couture is actually where the inspiration for billions of consumer dollars comes from: first with pret-a-porter and then mass market.
Haute couture is where the fashion magic happens. So if one truly wants to make a statement this season I would take a look at not just our trends but more importantly our motifs. Any designer can incorporate feathers in a design and call it a trend. Understanding the inspiration behind those feathers is where style begins.
Motif I – Studio 54: Though the legendary club has been long closed, its spirit lives on: disco ball and all. In terms of fashion anything goes! Especially Halston. But be sure to say hi to Andy, Liza, and crew!
Motif II –Elizabethan: Feisty, fiery, and fabulous as ever, Queen Elizabeth has been haunting the couture runways. Channel her royal regalia but don’t lose your head.
Motif III – Through the Looking Glass: Fall down the rabbit hole to be in style this season. Watch out for Cheshire cat. He’ll make you for the tea party.
