Paris has traditionally been regarded as the focus of the worlds fashion arena, and haute couture is undoubtedly the most highly regarded and exclusive facet of the Parisian fashion industry. Haute couture translates in French to high dressmaking or high sewing and the term is used with regard to the tailoring of individually custom designed clothing. These creations are executed to suit the precise measurements and requirements of individual customers. Typically these garments are crafted with meticulous attention to even the most minute details using expensive high quality fabric. The creation of these garments is undertaken by the most talented and experienced artisans and they are often made using hand-executed time-consuming methods.
Today the term haute couture is a title which is regulated by law and may only be used by those designers who meet the following requirements. Clothes must be custom designed for individual clients; the designer must operate a workshop in Paris which employs a minimum of 15 persons; and present a collection each season to the Parisian press with a stipulated number of displays for both evening and daytime wear.
France has been the hub of the worlds fashion industry for centuries, with affluent women travelling to Paris to obtain exclusive garments which were considered to be the finest on the globe. The stylist Charles F. Worth is generally credited with the founding of the Parisian haute couture industry. Although a native of England, Worth revolutionized the fashion industry of France transforming it to an artistic endeavour. Individuals like Poiret, Patou, Soeurs, Chanel, Lanvin, Dior, Balenciaga and Schiaparelli later emulated Worth producing prestigious attire for an exclusive clientele.
In the 60s some young designers who had worked under these pioneers established their own fashion houses, notably such famous names as Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro and Ted Lapidus. Amongst the more recently established brands is Jean-Paul Gaultier.
There is no doubt that the Parisian haute couture industry will flourish in the years ahead as the discerning elite continue to converge on the French capital to obtain individual creations from distinguished designers.
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