Another reason for me to long for the City of Lights,,, at the risk of being banned from the New York shows forever, I have to say Paris Couture Week makes NY Fashion Week look like amateur hour. Hand engraved “Save the Date” invitations started showing up in my mail box from Armani Prive, Givenchy and others a month before the shows (whereas most of my NY fashion show invites would arrive a day before or worse, a week late). I was invited to the Christian Lacroix Couture show at the Centre Pompidou in Paris this week but could not attend as I am already back home in the States tending to personal business. 
I was also invited to lunch at the Lacroix atelier with Monsieur Lacroix himself (hosted by the fabulous Becca Cason Thrash) but I had another engagement and arrived in Paris the day after the event. Needless to say, I really have to plan my trips better next season. So I am relegated to drooling over the gorgeous creations of his latest Couture collection while sitting at my desk, but at least I was promised a viewing in person when the collection travels stateside. The private world of Haute Couture has fascinated me for years and now with the guidance of a few of my collector friends, I may be ready to take a swan dive into its gilded world. Did you know that seasoned Couture clients are never late to a show? Mostly because they want first dibs at the clothes. Unlike ready-to-wear, where mass production rules, once an item is spoken for in Couture– you can rest assured that no one will be able to buy it again, ever. As for Couture bags, it is the ultimate indulgence for bag snobs! (jump for more pictures!)
Couture bags receive the same attention to detail as the dresses they accompany. Until you see one in person, you really can not appreciate the amazing workmanship it entails.
As you can see, Haute Couture is not merely ball gowns and other fantasy wear, there are also delightfully wearable dresses and suits for day or night. So if you feel like indulging, forget off the rack ready to wear, go couture!
Monsieur Lacroix showed once again his unparalleled mastery at drama and haute couture details with another grand collection. The bejeweled mohawks, lace covered faces, feathered boleros, layers upon frothy layers of tulle and satin, c’est sublime! Couture is not merely fashion; its creations are timeless and yes, often excessive, but its beauty is unrivaled.
Photos: Lacroix
I weep that you did not get to go to the show or the luncheon.
The clothes are astonishing! Love couture… the ultimate fantasy!
Beautiful!
You’re right Tina,we tend to see Haute Couture as exquisite ball gowns and hardly anyone would have a vision of day suit in mind when saying the term, but in France, where Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris is by law protecting Haute Couture has set,as one if it’s rules,that if a house wants to call itself a couture house it must,among other things,present a collection (twice a year) with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.
Oh Tina. You have no idea how in awe I am. Part of the reason I love vintage so much is because it gives me a tiny bit of the fantasy world of couture. Granted, vintage can be just as mass produced, but knowing you are the only one wearing that item makes me feel a head above.
Are you totally used to receiving hand engraved invitations to couture shows, or do you still get giddy. I imagine the feeling never goes away.
Jane- I, too, am weeping…
Lina- You are so well versed in the industry. Yes, there are stringent rules from the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris to protect the art of Haute Couture. Though there are only 650 artisans now, the art lives on!~
Sandra- Vintage haute couture is the best! I collect from my friend Cameron Silver of Decades, he has awesome pieces! And I still get giddy anytime I receive hand engraved invitations, no matter the event. It’s the charm of it all!!!
Aww Tina,that’s a huge compliment,thank you:)You just made my day-Tina, the best blogger and the most stylish woman in America,complimented me! *Faints*
And yes,vintage pieces make my heart jump every time I find something truly special and it’s so worth spending hours and hours browsing through hundreds of pieces to find that one little gem:)
Were you at the show last summer? I was there, it was my first couture show and I had so much fun. Every piece was exquisite and rich. Can’t wait to own my first piece (eventually)!
I look forward to your future couture entries. thank you for educating us… M.Lacroix is THE master of couture!
Get real people, they look like &#(*$&^ Corpses!
I don’t get couture. It’s way out of my price range and I would look like a freak in these outfits. The women look like sick anorexics and I don’t see how they promote healthy body images whether they’re wearing couture or Walmart fashions. I understand the detail that goes into making these outfits to include the fabric, design, style, color, etc. but I don’t think the average person really relates to these items, especially considering their outrageous price. Basically, these items are for the very rich who can afford them.