Back to Basics
The Making of Chanel Couture
As we all know its Haute Couture week in Paris, Haute meaning high and Couture meaning sewing, now for those un-glamorous few of us that are unable to be there.. prior engagements of course! … the whole up-roar of chiffon, baroque and pastels we have seen so far reminded me of a long-lost Cut blog video I saw a while back, well more precisely this time lat year. It showed a Chanel atelier cutting the toile of an outfit on the dress doll, I was absolustly stunned by the smooth and flowing cuts she made into the muslin, each shedding a new light onto the form that lay awaiting the piece of fabric. This technqiue was just one step in the making of a piece of couture, I was to later find out that each step had a name and appointed madame who specialiesed in its completion and creation.from the flat laying of the fabric, called the mis à plat, to the endless amounts of fitting sessions with the clients, one madame oversees it all. Her job description; one that I wouldnt mind holding myself, is a vendeuse, acting as a sales lady, correspondent, and quality check a vendeuse ensures that the garment fits the client perfectly hiding all flaws and emphasizing all features.
Houses such as Chanel (as seen in the video: click the link above) will have up to 150 clients a year ordering couture pieces, and Dior can make up to 20 bridal couture gowns a year; remember the SATC movie scene with all the bridal gowns, yea I was jealous too!
Dior Bridal Couture Gown in the SATC Movie
This years houses that are part of the Couturier stamp include brands such as Franck Sorbier, Christian Lacroix, Anne Valérie Hash, and of course, Chanel and Christian Dior. So now that you have a little insight into the background and work that goes into these ostentatious gowns, you can take a closer look at our mademoiselle’s reports and appreciate the ‘Haute Couture-ness’ of them.