| France has set the standards in western fashion since the days of Louis XIV and
his extravagant court, in the seventeenth century. French supremacy in matters of style
was confirmed in the nineteenth century with the invention of haute couture, which
involves making original and usually very luxurious garments for individual models, and
presenting these to the public each season (spring/summer and autumn/winter). Haute
couture is carried out by teams of top designers, seamstresses, and embellishers
– the people who make accessories such as hats and bags, or add detail to the
garments, such as embroidery. Most dresses require around three fittings. In January and
July journalists travel from all over the world to see the haute couture
collections. The garments are paraded on the catwalk by top models, at fashion shows held
in the most prestigious hotels in Paris. There are 18 houses of haute couture in
France today, including Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Paco
Rabanne, and Nina Ricci. The fashion houses also present collections of prêt-à-porter
or ready-to-wear garments at the shows each season. As the name suggests, these are not
unique, or individually tailored, but are manufactured to standard sizes. Haute couture,
prêt-à-porter, and accessories, including perfume spread the
influence of French culture and design around the world, and are a vital part of the
French economy.
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