High fashion - what is it?

The term "haute couture" is often used in conversations about extra-class clothing, but what does it mean? First of all, this is a tailoring of an exclusive wardrobe. These are the things that are made for a specific customer manually, from expensive fabrics, with special attention to various details. The production requires the work of professionals of the highest level and takes quite a lot of time.

High fashion originated in the XIX century in Paris. Charles Frederick Worth created a new philosophy of making clothes. He opened the first fashion house. Then there were others, and among the ladies from the upper class, it became quite usual to order clothes from such fashion designers.

In 1868, Worth and his sons created the Paris Chamber, which still defines houses that can be called "High Fashion". Further, in 1946, 106 such official houses appeared that corresponded to all the criteria that were established in 1945 by the Chamber.

By 1952, their number decreased noticeably - to 60. This was due to the influence of the world war on this industry - mass goods began to displace qualitative manual production. Gradually it seemed to many people that it was pointless to make long-lasting custom-made clothes. Trends became easier, and Paris needed to come up with a method of preserving its high fashion. So instead of the House in 1973, the French federation appeared in order to preserve all traditions. This organization declares the place and time of the famous French fashion weeks for the whole world.

This syndicate retains its importance and continues to preserve traditions, developing them and protecting its members. It also establishes quality standards. The Chamber's position states that only members of the list, updated annually, can designate themselves as fashion houses. The right to wear the proud title "High Fashion" is given to members of the Chamber who observe the following rules:

• Atelier near the house should be in Paris, where at least 15 people work constantly;
• Clothing is sewn for private consumers, with 1 or more fitting;
• Twice a year this house should represent the Paris press a collection that consists of 35 images and more (evening and afternoon).

After the introduction of these rather restrictive restrictions, the number of official houses declined to 18 by 2000. In 2002, after Yves Saint Laurent retired, closing his house, there were 12. The high fashion of 2012 introduced the official members, among Which are the following houses: Anne Valerie Hash, Adeline Andre, Chanel, Atelier Gustavo Lins, Christophe Josse, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Franck Sorbier, Maurizio Galante, Jean Paul Gaultier, Giambattista Valli and Stephane Rolland.

How long can a French fashion federation exist with such a small number of houses? The uniqueness of their products is incredibly important for consumers, but at homes the clientele is aging. Young women who are able to afford "haute couture" things are much more likely to prefer more practical and comfortable clothes "pret-a-porter". But despite this, every year is a week of haute couture in Moscow, causing incredible interest both from the press and the public.

For the main number of remaining houses, status is important only for prestige, while high fashion shows are very ruinous. The 4 largest brands - Dior, Chanel, Gaultier and Givency - use their rank as a marketing tool that improves the sale of collections, accessories and perfumes.

But if you depart from the standards, high fashion is still as relevant - stunning handmade clothing is again in favor. Although the haute couture houses should take into account the fact that today they are not the only source of such clothing, and they need to compete with other producers.