Some people say that, just like fire hoses, high fashion has no room for deliberation or creative limits, and haute couture is the pinnacle diamond in the world of fashion. In late January this year, international fashion master Valentino chose to bid farewell to the fashion stage at a haute couture show in Paris, an event of significant meaning. Nowadays, haute couture is no longer limited to clothing; Louis Vuitton's luggage, Hermès' handbags, and Cartier's jewelry all offer bespoke services tailored specifically for top clients.
When it comes to haute couture, one cannot fail to mention its founder, Charles Frederick Worth. In 1858, he opened the first store on 7 Rue de la Paix in Paris, offering custom-made clothing for customers, pioneering the tradition of haute couture. This later became an excellent tradition in the French Parisian fashion industry and was officially named "Haute Couture."
However, companies wishing to produce "haute couture" and "custom creations" must adhere to specific rules and regulations. The list of fashion brands eligible to do so is reviewed annually by the French Ministry of Industry’s committee. Only those with exceptional capabilities and qualifications are granted these prestigious titles.
From four key criteria alone, the strict qualifications can be seen:
1. During the creation process, there must be at least 20 "salaried employees," not just workers responsible for construction.
2. Before officially becoming a "haute couture" brand, participation in at least four official "haute couture" events is required.
3. There must be a studio in Paris to participate in the two women's fashion showcases held each January and July by the Haute Couture Women's Association.
4. Each showcase must feature at least 75 designs completed by the chief designer.
Currently, only ten top fashion brands in France have obtained the qualification for "haute couture," including Chanel (CHANEL), Christian Dior (CHRISTIAN DIOR), Jean Paul Gaultier (JEAN PAUL GAULTIER), and Givenchy (GIVENCHY). It is evident that obtaining such qualifications is not only difficult but also involves a complex and time-consuming manufacturing process.
Taking Chanel's "haute couture" as an example, a set of elegant and exquisite suits requires at least 200 hours to complete. Lavish casual wear needs 150 hours, while evening gowns require no less than 250 hours. If adorned with embroidery, it takes even longer. As for an extremely luxurious piece of clothing like a wedding dress, at least 800 hours of effort and hard work are needed to complete it.
In 1997, France revised the regulations for haute couture, allowing "designers" who possess "custom clothing" professional skills but do not yet meet the full qualifications to showcase their haute couture creations at fashion events. Fashion masters like Giorgio Armani and Valentino then began to enter the custom clothing stage.
The haute couture fashion events attract global attention, with each season's fashion shows drawing over 1,000 French and foreign journalists to Paris. Around the world, there are more than 1,500 pages of media coverage and over 150 television and radio programs introducing the grandeur of these events.
This event holds an irreplaceable position in the fashion world, primarily because the special creativity showcased in haute couture significantly influences future fashion trends. Many of the intricate elements presented may be applied in the production of future ready-to-wear garments, thereby becoming indicators of future fashion trends.
---
*Note: The article mentions various brands and historical figures in fashion, emphasizing the importance of haute couture in setting future trends and maintaining a legacy of craftsmanship.*