Couture Spring 2013

Valentino

Couture is not about commercialism; it's fashion as art (with prices to match) at its highest form. I like to look at the details of couture shows. The beading, the appliqué, the delicate lace and netting, master craftsperson skills that are almost extinct. These intricate details are mesmorizing.
In France, to earn the right to call itself a “couture house,” a designer must create clothing that is made-to-order, have a workshop that employs at least 15 people and 20 full-time technical people at a time, and they must present a collection to the Parisian press each season that contains a least 35 runs/exits with outfits for daytime and evening wear. One gown can take hundreds of hours to make and the house almost always loses money on the collection. Sort of like fashion for fashion's sake, no?


Margiela


Dior


Chanel


Dior


Valentino