The word “Couture”—French for dressmaking—conjures images of exclusivity, artisanal craftsmanship, and six-figure gowns tailored for the world’s elite. While accessible only to a select few, Haute Couture is far from irrelevant to the average consumer. It is, in fact, the essential, visionary wellspring from which almost all major fashion trends flow, fundamentally dictating the visual culture of our society.
The process of a couture concept trickling down the fashion hierarchy to become a pervasive cultural movement is one of the most fascinating phenomena in the industry. It’s a powerful chain reaction that begins with a stroke of genius on the Parisian runway. And ends with millions of people adopting a new silhouette, color palette, or accessory.
The Trickle-Down Effect: Art Becomes Commerce
Haute Couture collections, shown twice a year in Paris. Serve as the research and development (R&D) lab for the entire fashion world. These custom-made, hand-stitched … Read more