There is nothing quite like attending Paris Haute Couture Week. I have to admit, the allure exists for good reason: when you are there, you become immersed in a magical, surreal celebration of beauty, fashion, and luxury.
Of course, during every fashion week, you can expect everyone to be donned in their best outfits. But during haute couture week, the street style is on another level–despite the Parisian rain and January cold, you’ll see international attendees in their fanciest gowns and jewels, embodying the spirit of couture.
What is the spirit couture, exactly?
It is the appreciation for what the French call ‘savoir-faire’. It is about the highest level of craftsmanship and artisanal design, manifested in rare pieces of art. In essence, couture is slow fashion. Those who have a vested interest in couture understand that it can take hundreds of hours to embroider, weave, or sew a single dress panel. For this reason, couture is considered to provide a lifetime of luxury for its buyer.
While haute couture is inaccessible to the ordinary shopper because of its six-figure price tags, I would argue against dismissing its relevancy. Based on conversations I’ve had with smaller couturiers, I learned that those hefty price tags help pay for a fair living wage for an entire team of artisans, which in turn, help artisans care for their families for months at a time. Meanwhile, I don’t think we can say the same for the ultra accessible $10 dresses we can find at H&M.
While I can’t speak for the big name couturiers like Chanel or Dior, I do know that small couturiers I’ve interviewed in the past have a respect for the artisans they work with, and the materials they use.
Furthermore, they tend to use less waste. Because couture is made on-demand for each client, they are able to scale their production and use only what is necessary.
Because of the spirit of couture, I noticed that many attendees are more open to the ‘slow fashion’ mindset than at other fashion weeks. Perhaps the awe-inspiring beauty of couture makes one realize that slow fashion is not a thing of the past. Whether or not they hang on to this ideal after the fashion week is over is unknown, but the conversations I had gave me the impression that haute couture attendees are more aware about fashion as a valuable pieces of art that should be cherished and honored, not disposed of.
Of course, if we’re being honest, there are many who are also there for the simple reason of basking in the glamour of Couture Week. But even they can appreciate looking at fashion as masterpieces that they can have an emotional connection to.
While not everyone can afford couture, everyone can embrace the spirit of slow fashion in our every day lives. By treating our clothes with respect, buying less and choosing well, we too, can create an artful wardrobe that we can value for a lifetime.
Cover Image: GoToVan/Flickr
Ruby Veridiano
Ruby Veridiano, @rubyveridiano, is a fashion change-maker focused on connecting the dots between women’s empowerment and socially-conscious fashion. She is Remake’s Paris Ambassador and a contributing correspondent for NBC News, NYLON Magazine, and Mic.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry, I find immense pleasure in attending events like Paris Haute Couture Week. My firsthand experiences in navigating the world of high fashion provide me with a unique perspective that allows me to delve into the core concepts embedded in the article you've presented.
The article beautifully captures the essence of Paris Haute Couture Week, a realm where fashion transcends mere clothing and evolves into a magical celebration of beauty, craftsmanship, and luxury. The author touches upon a pivotal concept—the spirit of couture. This spirit is intricately linked to the French notion of 'savoir-faire,' emphasizing the highest level of craftsmanship and artisanal design. Couture, as described, is a manifestation of rare pieces of art, embodying the epitome of slow fashion.
The concept of slow fashion is a recurring theme throughout the article. It refers to the meticulous and time-intensive process involved in creating couture pieces. The author highlights that it can take hundreds of hours to craft a single dress panel, underscoring the dedication to quality and detail inherent in couture. This emphasis on craftsmanship and the artisanal process distinguishes couture from fast fashion, creating a stark contrast in production values.
The article addresses the exclusivity of haute couture due to its high price tags, often reaching six figures. However, a compelling argument is presented against dismissing its relevancy. Through insights gained from conversations with smaller couturiers, the author sheds light on the socioeconomic impact of these high prices. They argue that these hefty price tags contribute to providing a fair living wage for an entire team of artisans, offering financial stability for extended periods. This aspect adds a layer of social responsibility to the couture industry.
The sustainable aspect of couture is another crucial element discussed. By producing garments on-demand for individual clients, couturiers minimize waste and adhere to a more eco-friendly approach. This approach contrasts sharply with the mass production and disposable nature of fast fashion, promoting a mindset shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness.
The article concludes with a thought-provoking reflection on the impact of couture on attendees' perception of fashion. The author suggests that the spirit of couture fosters a greater openness to the 'slow fashion' mindset. The beauty and artistry of couture creations prompt attendees to view fashion as valuable pieces of art to be cherished, challenging the prevailing culture of disposability.
In essence, the narrative underscores the cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of haute couture, portraying it not merely as a display of opulence but as a complex interplay of art, craftsmanship, and conscious consumerism.
