Haute Couture: Making fashion fashion-able

Tanu Talwar

Have you always wished to stand out of the crowd, dreamt of being a trendsetter? Scared of wearing the same outfit to office that your colleague picked up too? Have you always wished to own that exclusive piece of garment that is one of its kinds and has been solely designed and pinned up for your body type, an outfit that not only enhances your best assets but also speaks volumes about your personality? Well stop dreaming for it’s just within your reach once again.
Yes, it’s time to stand apart, cherish your uniqueness and brag as you bag that one in a million gear.

It’s time to get chic and make some modish additions to your wardrobe. It’s time; you struck out in that yearning in your wish list, for the country is holding its second- Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Well, these high and prodigious terms of the fashion world are bound to leave us simpletons confused at times. But no worry, for here is a quick look as to how couture is different from the usual prêt-a-porter fashion.

If the term haute couture, which sounds so quixotic, does not attract you then this definitely will. Haute couture is the reason that Oscars are ‘The Oscars’. For the celebrities only wish to dress in their exclusive style for their special night’s special appearance on the red carpet. It’s the haute couture or exclusive fashion that makes the photogs, camerapersons, and paparazzi mob the red carpet.

So what exactly does this uber exotic term ‘Haute Couture’ mean?

In layman terms, ‘Haute’ means high, classy, elegant, while ‘Couture’ implies for dressmaking, sewing. The two combine and we get high fashion, expensive and exclusive designer clothing. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Of all the fashion categories, it’s the couture category that is most rarefied for its tediousness, tidiness and the splendid workmanship it requires as mere basics.

Haute couture is more than just clothes; it’s an exceptional piece of art. An ideal couture creation is explicitly made keeping the customers’ measurements and tastes in mind.

Unlike the prêt-a-porter collections, the haute line is mostly made by hand with umpteen number of hours going into the making of a single suit or gown, minutest of the intricate details are worked upon over days of hard work, to carefully interline and tape the garment to fit the client perfectly.

Needless to say then that each couture piece is unique and constructed by the finest artisans, who have mastered the knowledge needed for such creations. It requires splendid service, training, and above all originality for that matchless design.

Uniqueness is one of the top priorities for any designer taking on haute couture as it’s the prime factor that attracts the customers. It’s often said that the true talent of a designer can be judged by his couture creation. Wonder why?

Well it’s the only form of fashion where the artistry of a designer is set free to tread the high path of creativity. Unlike the prêt-a-porter, collection where the designer has to keep a certain section or class of wearers in mind, couture allows a designer to dream-on as money and time are no bar.

Another aspect of such creations is the fabric used in the making. The fabric for couture collections is top of the class; it ranges in the luxurious cloth that would include the ultra expensive silks, fine wools, cottons, linens, cashmeres, suede etc. And that’s not all; every couture creation remains incomplete without its matching accessories that too boast of craftsmanship that comes with a price to match.

Price of a couture garment, just like everything else about it, is also one of its kind. With so much of hard labour and exclusivity going into the finished product, designers are bound to go wild when it comes to quoting the price for their no holds bar creation.

In fact, it’s the sky soaring prices that this kind of fashion comes with that can be blamed for making it unpopular with the masses to a large extent. Though, haute couture is what adds the chic factor to fashion, it’s a kind of style statement not everyone can afford. And those who can, end up paying through their nose.

So there you have it people. Couture is far more different than the ready to wear, get in and move on prêt-a-porter style. The two fashion gears have absolutely no similarity whatsoever and are like chalk and cheese.

Nevertheless, they have their own importance and audience to cater to. At last, it would be only wise to say that prêt will never go out of fashion, couture has made fashion simply more fashionable.