As we already mentioned in a previous article, the first week of July is the Haute Couture Fashion Week, in which most luxury brands give vent to their most creative side with extravagant and super luxurious outfits.
But how did Haute Couture was born? Let’s go back to the nineteenth century, when the English fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth changed the history of fashion, transforming the figure of the tailor into the creator of clothes and collections designed by him, a real artist, just like today. Initially, the tailor was a simple craftsman who created clothes only for high society, following the customers desires. Worth was the first to open his own studio and to present his clothes, with his own label, showing them on the models the previous season.
The difference between Haute Couture and Pret-a-porter became more evident only later, around 1940. Pret-a-porter included mass-produced clothing for everyday use, while Haute Couture featured more elaborate clothing for the wealthiest society. Although today the fashion world has become more inclusive, this distinction remains evident.
Today, Haute Couture fashion shows take place twice a year, organised in the beauty of Paris by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture which has the power to accept or exclude brands. In order to participate you have to respect many strict rules. Do not joke with French!
Let’s see some of them. Fendi wanted to represent several cities, including Kyoto, Paris and his beloved Rome. Balenciaga the evolution of the brand, from ancient tradition to new technology, with a super cast of models, including Kim Kardashian, now main ambassador, Due Lipa, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid.
Then, we have Armani Privè, the watchword was “pétillant”, (meaning: sparkling) Giorgia Armani made us relive the 20s’. Dior, on the other hand, was inspired by the drawings of the Ukrainian artist, Olesia Trofymenko, in particular by the tree of life, a symbol of birth and rebirth.
And again, Chanel, Valentino, Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, Alexander Vauthier, Giambattista Valli, Schiaparelli and many others. I would spend hours and hours watching these shows, they have something magical.
