Fashion Editorial
Luxury Of Haute Couture
Couture collections are some of the most highly anticipated events on the fashion calendar – not to mention the most enchantingly beautiful. But do these seemingly expensive, overtly extravagant and often times very impractical pieces have a place in today’s ‘fast fashion’ society?
Quite simply yes. And Haute Couture is even becoming more popular!
Haute couture, French for ‘high sewing’, refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing made to order. Sewn with extreme attention to detail with hand-executed techniques, Haute Couture is created with the highest quality fabrics, finishings and embellishments. Now a ‘protected name’ there are only a handful of labels that meet the couture criteria. These include: Chanel; Christian Dior; Valentino; Elie Saab; Givenchy; Armani Privé and Jean Paul Gaultier.
The Haute Couture Business
To these powerful luxury labels, Haute Couture is still an important element of business. It’s an investment in the label’s image and global communication.
The dream of Couture fantasy helps to sell perfume and all areas of the brand; but most importantly it is the purest form of fashion, with a growing client base intent on keeping the extraordinary craftsmanship and intangible beauty alive.
Today, Chanel has estimated that there are 1,000 potential Haute Couture clients around the world. With 200 to 300 of these clients attending the Chanel collections each season. Dior too has expressed that their client base is growing. The Dior Couture Spring 2011 collection was presented in front of 800 guests – double that of the previous season. Demand for Givenchy couture is expected to rise by 10%; meanwhile for Elie Saab the couture calendar accounted for 43% of the company’s business.
It is also an imperative component in publicity – with images of actresses walking the red carpet in these spectacular gowns beamed around the world. With Paris Couture Week taking place just before the Golden Globes, Oscars then followed by the Cannes Film Festival – it’s a winning combination for both actress and the label’s image. Remember Cate Blanchett’s unique Givenchy Haute Couture gown or the lavender lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown worn by Mila Kunis (both pictured below)? These ladies and their gowns will be documented forever.
Haute Couture Evolution
An imperative element of all fashion is evolution. And Haute Couture is no exception. During the Couture Spring 2011 collections, a few houses broke the convention of traditional ‘Haute Couture’ to present spectacular creations for women of today.
Karl Lagerfeld weaved his magic at Chanel with a collection that was fresh with iridescent sparkle and delicate charisma. This wasn’t Chanel as we know it or traditional Haute Couture either. Skinny black jeans, black ballet flats and sprinklings of ‘cobweb’ like beads, floated down the runway like glistening rebellious ballerinas.
In fantastical shades of the lightest pinks, like delicious sweet macaroons, worn with beaded tulle leggings or jeans cut long and close to the leg – Chanel was seemingly enchanting a whole new generation of couture lovers. Of the collection, Lagerfeld said: “Haute Couture is about modern attitude. You have to adopt to the mood of the moment… this is the way people dress today.”
Christian Lacroix once said, “Haute Couture should be fun, foolish and almost unwearable”Haute Couture is a expression of spectacular craftsmanship, everlasting beauty, mesmerizing extravagance and above all else desire. Qualities I am certain will hold their place in the world for many, many years to come.
Espresso Shot Of News
Your Fabulous Fashion Scoop
4 Delicious Espresso Shots of Fashion News &
My Top 10 Best Dressed List from Cannes…
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Hailee Steinfeld The New Face of Miu Miu
At just 14years of age, Hailee Steinfeld has been announced as the new face of Miu Miu. Having already been nominated for an Oscar, Steinfeld has also graced numerous best dressed lists and made a style impact in her short time in front of the camera. She was also front row as a special guest at the Miu Miu A/W 11-12 show.
Steinfeld is set to appear in the Autumn / Winter 2011 / 12 campaign for the high end label which will be shot in Paris. Previous ‘faces’ of Miu Miu include; Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Paradis Katie Holmes and Lindsay Lohan. Click here to read more about Steinfeld’s red carpet style…
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Elizabeth Olsen In Her Sisters’ Label – The Row
Little sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth, has walked the red carpet in Cannes in two looks from The Row. The 22 year old Olsen wore a white embellished gown during the day, before appearing in a black beaded floor-length gown in the evening. And yes… this is the Elizabeth whose name served as inspiration for the Olsen’s other label – ‘Elizabeth and James’.
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Fendi To Leave Fur Off Runway In South Korea
Fendi has been asked to remove all fur from their upcoming runway show in Seoul. Activists have threatened large-scale protests if fur is included in the runway; forcing the Mayor to request Fendi to pull all fur. If an agreement is not reached, Fendi may need to cancel the presentation…
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Film Stars & Top Models Walk Charity Catwalk For Japan
Supermodel Naomi Campbell once again organised a selection of top models and movie stars to walk in her charity fashion show. Taking place during the Cannes Film Festival; Jane Fonda, Rosario Dawson and Robert De Niro were among other A-listers who strutted down the catwalk in aid of Japan…
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Best Dressed From Cannes…
Stepping Out In Style At Cannes, My Top 10 Favourite Looks:
1 >> Penelope Cruz in Marchesa with Johnny Depp
2 >> Alexa Chung wearing vintage Balenciaga
3 >> Rachel McAdams in Monique Lhullier
4 >> Dasha Zhukova in Valentino
5 >> Zoe Saldana in Armani Privé
6 >> Uma Thurman wearing Versace
7 >> Sonam Kapoor in Jean Paul Gaultier
8 >> Salma Hayek in Gucci Premiere
9 >> Aishwarya Rai in Elie Saab Haute Couture
10 >> Astrid Bergès-Frisbey wearing Chanel Couture
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Who is your best dressed? xx
Photos from grazia.com.au / fashion.telegraph.co.uk / cbsnews.com / vogue.co.uk
Fashion Feature
Chanel Resort 2012
I heart Chanel…
Taking place at the legendary Hôtel du Cap along the coast in Antibes, the Chanel Resort 2012 collection was a master class in elegant sophistication.
Dresses and fits evoked a twenties / thirties aesthetic – reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s own Riviera style. Chanel herself attended parties at Hôtel du Cap with icons Picasso, Dalí and among many others.
Jacket seams were styled close to the body while pristine white evening gowns cut flatteringly to the body creating a ‘pure innocent seduction’. Each style of clothing was represented within the collection – from swimwear to evening – making it practical and indulgent.
In attendance at the presentation, style icons and Chanel favourites – Blake Lively, Clémence Poésy, Caroline Sieber and Alexa Chung.
Seductive, Elegant and Timeless Chic… A Chanel Enchantment Of Course
Do you love the Chanel Resort collection? Love to know what you think? xx
Photos from style.com
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