Haute Couture Fashion

1. History

1.1. Charles Frederick Worth

1.1.1. House of Worth

1.1.2. "Father of Couture"

1.1.3. Prepared portfolio of designs to be duplicated for clients

1.2. Mid 1800's

1.3. Early Couturiers

1.3.1. Vionnet

1.3.2. Patou

1.3.3. Fortuny

1.3.4. Lanvin

1.3.5. Chanel

1.3.6. Balenciaga

1.3.7. Mainbocher

1.3.8. Dior

2. Pret-a-porter

2.1. Most couture houses produce Pret-a-portet also.

2.2. "Ready to wear"

2.3. Higher profit than custom couture

2.4. Less extravagant

2.5. More wearable, less "fashion as art"

3. Definition

3.1. "High sewing"

3.2. Made to fit specific customer

3.3. Very high quality

3.4. Workshop (atelier) in Paris (15+ employees)

3.5. Present to Paris press 2x/year

3.6. Hand-sewn & embellished

4. Fashion Week

4.1. New York

4.2. MIlan

4.3. London

4.4. Paris

4.4.1. Winter season

4.4.1.1. Spring fashion

4.4.2. Summer season

4.4.2.1. Fall fashion

5. Fédération française de la couture, du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode

5.1. French Federation of Fashion and of Ready-to-Wear of Couturiers and Fashion Designers

5.1.1. Chambre Syndicale = trade union

5.1.1.1. Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture

5.1.1.1.1. Official Members

5.1.1.1.2. Foreign members

5.1.1.2. Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode

5.1.1.3. Chambre syndicale de la mode masculine