January is when the major fashion houses exhibit their Haute Couture designs.
So what exactly is Haute Couture? Couture is French for "dressmaking" Haute means, "high". Basically dressmaking at a high level. However, it's an often misused term. Here's how the Business of Fashion defines it;
There were some big names and even bigger designs heading down the runway. Here are a few of my favorites I order of appearance, as well as a brief history of the fashion houses name sake; GeorgesHobeika, ElieSaab, Giambattista Valli, Schiaparelli (featured image above).
Georges Hobeika (born 8 February 1962, in Baskinta) is a Lebanese fashion designer of Haute Couture and ready-to-wear clothing. Hobeika officially opened his atelier in Beirut, Lebanon in 1995, and has been presenting his collections in Paris, during the city’s official fashion weeks, for over a decade. Hobeika is officially recognized by the "Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture", as a guest member.
Today, Hobeika owns and manages his fashion house which includes four lines: Georges Hobeika Couture – Georges Hobeika Bridal – Georges Hobeika Signature – GH by Georges Hobeika. Georges Hobeika operates the fashion label from his showroom on the rue Royale in Paris and from his atelier headquarters in Beirut.
Elie Saab (born 4 July 1964) is a Lebanese fashion designer. His main workshop is in Lebanon, with additional workshops in Milan and Paris. He started his business in the early 1980s and specialized in bridal couture (expensive fabrics, lace, gemstones, Swarovski crystals, pearls, detailed embroidery, etc.).
He is the first Arab to be admitted to the fashion industry’s governing body, Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Saab appeared as a judge on Project Runway: Middle East in 2016. As of March 2017, his couture collections are available in Paris, London, and Beirut, while his ready-to-wear clothes were in 160 retailers and his own boutiques. Kate Middleton wore a Saab gown to Royal Ascot in 2019, marking the first occasion where Saab has dressed a royal.
Giambattista Valli is an Italian fashion designer. He is from Rome, Italy. His collections, both ready to wear and Haute couture are presented semi-annually during Paris Fashion Week.
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was an Italian fashion designer. Along with Coco Chanel, her greatest rival, she is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in fashion between the two World Wars. Starting with knitwear, Schiaparelli's designs were heavily influenced by Surrealists like her collaborators Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. Her clients included the heiress Daisy Fellowes and actress Mae West. Schiaparelli did not adapt to the changes in fashion following World War II and her couture house closed in 1954.
I love sharing images and ideas like this, and I find the best places for photo sharing and inspiration are Pinterest. Be sure to head there and hit 'follow"for even more "Haute" fashion inspiration!
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Jasmine Terry-Ankobil owner and operator of LAIDIECLOTH fashion house, where I create custom designs and perform alterations for formal occasions. Online Couture Sewing School LAIDIECLOTH U. Please feel free to share this article and/or visit my site www.laidiecloth.com
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