fashion

Haute couture at work;
Christian Dior in his
studio

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.

Photo © christian dior

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