The History and Evolution of High Fashion
Often described as “the father of haute couture,” Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895) is the man who revolutionized the way clothing was designed and made. He opened up the industry to men and women designers, and created a new industry for high-end fashion.
He also influenced many of the famous fashion designers we know today, including Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.
Although he is credited with founding the couture industry, the concept dates back centuries, to when fashionable ladies would travel to Paris in search of the latest trends. They brought home garments from the city’s most renowned tailors and seamstresses.
These ateliers were run by couturieres, or “dressmakers.” They created custom-made dresses for wealthy customers. They were also commissioned to make their own designs.
By 1850, top Parisian designers held fashion shows in their ateliers. During these shows, the richest women and journalists were invited to wear the designer’s latest creations.
This type of show was a rebirth for the fashion industry, and the term haute couture became synonymous with the most prestigious clothing in the world. It also meant that the designer was a master of his craft.
In the 19th century, top designers organized small fashion shows that included the mannequins they used to showcase their work to clients. These were called “fetes,” and they helped define the couture industry.
The couturiers who were involved in these shows had to pay the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, which required that their designs be original and handmade for each client. To ensure the quality of their clothes, they had to photograph their designs on a mannequin and register them as proof.
After World War II, couture sales dipped, but many of the houses that once operated were still in business. Their names were recognized around the world, and they found new clients in the ranks of American heiresses and Hollywood film actresses.
Today, a few thousand people buy couture dresses worldwide. Some are aristocrats, royalty and self-made millionaires, but there aren’t many regular customers.
In an age of fast-fashion, this isn’t a great thing. It’s easy to forget that couture is an expensive and time-consuming process, and it takes about 700 hours to create a single dress.
Historically, these gowns were only worn by the rich and important. However, that has changed in recent years.
As with all things, the rise of new technologies and trends has caused a shift in the way that couture is viewed. It’s now more of a luxury product that reflects the whims of its owner.
One of the reasons that haute couture has been a slow decline is because it remains a product primarily for the rich and privileged. The number of buyers has shrunk dramatically, but the purchasing power of those that do purchase it remains a large percentage of the total population.
The industry has a long and storied past, but its future is uncertain. With the rise of independent designers and the soaring appreciation for more exclusive designs, it’s possible that haute couture will begin to fade away.
