Monday 2 July 2012

COUTURE GETS COOL

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For a very, very long time, the couture shows have basically been irrelevant to the rest of the fashion world. Couture shows were a publicity stunt, and with pieces at such ridiculous prices the market for the actual clothing was tiny - basically all customers were from Brazil, Russia, India and China, otherwise known as the BRIC nations. The spectacular shows often made a loss, this only being offset by the brand's perfume and cosmetics sales.

However, with the appointment of Raf Simons at Dior and the perenially cool Versace being a relatively new addition to the couture calendar, I can actually see couture having an influence on mainstream fashion. Yes, the prices and small market will remain the same, but I see pret-a-porter designers and the high street lifting ideas from these shows and taking them forward into everyday pieces.

Nowadays social media is the best - and easiest - way to gauge the hype from a certain event or happening, and these were Twitter's trending topics today straight after the Dior show (discount the Doritos one as that's a sponsored topic). Not bad considering couture's previously stuffy image:


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Of the four designers' shows available to currently view on style.com, three are completely unrecognisable from couture's "norm": not a pouffy, feathered, beaded ballgown in sight. Versace, Bouchra Jarrar and Dior (all below) are representative of what a stylish, modern woman wants to wear, whether she is a multi-millionaire or works in a shop. You can't exactly say that about the Alexis Mabille collection - which is all shiny sweetie wrappers, layers of tulle, and slightly silly hairdos. 
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All very lovely - especially Dior's yellow gown, which I could even wear around Manchester, albeit with a bra - but not particularly groundbreaking. Today's focus was naturally on Dior, with Raf Simons' first show designing for the house; John Galliano's departure (or rather removal) seemingly marked the end of hugely dramatised, budget-smashing couture fashion shows. Of course it would have been completely wrong for Raf to completely change his minimal aesthetic to imitate Galliano's grandeur, but is this new minimalism really want the BRIC ladies are craving, or will they miss the frothy gowns and dramatic silhouettes of yore? Only time - and the couture houses' orders - will tell.

Images style.com & nowfashion.com

6 comments:

  1. Versaysay was ghetto fabulous dontcha think?! So OTT sexy, but I loved it.
    Dior- Da-Bore! Gosh, Raf took the fun out of what, traditionally, was the most extravagant, theatrical, ostentatious show around.
    The emaciated models looked sorry they were wearing that parp whilst exposing their nipples.
    xxx

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    1. waargh. I don't know, I certainly didn't hate Dior by Raf... but there again I'm not still thinking about it now. So I guess that's worse; not having any feeling about it at all. Fashion needs to inspire!
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  2. Ha, totally in need of a bra in that dress, though it is rather gorge. Couture really is a bit of a let down, even Chanel's collection had a 'safe' vibe to it with hundreds and thousands of diamonds and sheer gowns - nothing too out-breaking. Really enjoying your blog!

    www.ameliaisnotcross.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I was speaking to one of my uni tutors about the Chanel show the other day and she thinks Karl is having a bit of a crisis, just making everything and not having a real focus, hoping that somebody, anybody will take a liking and buy something! I think she nailed it.

      Thank you Amelia, I'm glad you enjoy! I'm such a fan of your blog & style.
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  3. If I had the money I definitely would by couture once, just to experience it! You're right, couture shows are a strange beast that does seem to be slowly changing. Some of the shows didn't really stand out from the Resort 13 collections - a real shame.

    Lovely blog btw, you have a new follower xxxx

    South Molton St Style

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