The term “high fashion” is often used in conversations about extra-class clothing, but what does it mean? First of all, it is tailoring an exclusive wardrobe. These are the things that are made for a particular customer by hand, from expensive fabrics, with special attention to various details. Production requires the work of professionals of the highest level and takes a lot of time.
Haute couture arose in the 19th century in Paris. Charles Frederick Worth created a new philosophy for making clothes. He opened the first fashion house. Then others appeared, and among ladies from the upper class it quickly became habitual to order clothes from similar 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 met all the criteria established by the chamber in 1945.
By 1952, their number decreased markedly - to 60. This was due to the influence of World War II on this industry - mass goods began to supplant high-quality manual production. Gradually, it began to seem senseless to many to make custom-made clothes for a long time. Trends became simpler, and Paris needed to come up with a method of maintaining its high fashion. So instead of the House in 1973, the French Federation appeared in order to preserve all traditions. This organization announces the venue and time of world-famous French fashion weeks.
This syndicate retains its significance and continues to protect traditions, developing them and protecting its members. He also sets quality standards. The position of the Chamber states that only members of a list updated annually may call themselves fashion houses. The right to bear the proud name “High Fashion” is obtained by members of the Chamber who observe the following rules:
- the atelier should be located in Paris, where at least 15 people are constantly working;
- clothing is sewn for private consumers, with 1 or more fittings;
- twice a year this house should present to the Paris press a collection that consists of 35 images or more (evening and daytime).
After the introduction of these rather stringent restrictions, the number of official houses fell to 18 by the year 2000. In 2002, after Yves Saint Laurent resigned, closing his house, there were 12 of them. High Fashion 2012 introduced official members, among which houses are: 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 the French Fashion Federation exist with so few houses? The uniqueness of their products is incredibly important for consumers, but at home the clientele is aging. Young women who are able to afford “haute couture” clothes are much more likely to prefer more practical and comfortable ready-to-wear clothing. But despite this, every year a high fashion week takes place in Moscow, causing incredible interest both in the press and in the public.
For the bulk of the 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 title as a kind of marketing tool that improves sales of collections, accessories and perfumes.
But if you move away from the standards, high fashion is still relevant - amazing handmade clothes are again in favor. Although haute couture houses should consider that today they are not the only source of such clothing, and they need to compete with other manufacturers.