John Galliano and Dior Couture
Haute Couture is the most exclusive aspect of the fashion world with only the most distinguished designer allowed to practice the art- now Paris Couture Fashion Week is almost over we ask 'does haute couture mean anything to us everyday folk?'
Celebrities love couture and away from the catwalk most of us will only ever see a Jean Paul Gaultier or John Galliano creation on the likes of Madonna or Angelina Jolie.
But although many of us will never be able to afford a genuine couture dress, does that mean we don't enjoy looking at them?
For a week now the Paris catwalks have been full of what are considered the most beautiful dresses, skirts, blouses and jackets in the world each one lovingly created with hours of hand stitching, intricate bead work and expert tailoring.
However theses days the high streets are full of fantastic designer-inspired clothes for a tiny fraction of the price of couture. So do we get just as excited about the latest Topshop or Warehouse offering as we do about what Givenchy and Chanel are sending down the catwalk? And better still we can actually get our hands on the objects of our high street lusting.
Designer's ready to wear catwalk collections allow us to spot trends early before they filter down to mainstream fashion so we know what to look for when a new season hits the highstreet- but couture seems so distant from the everyday fashion lover that it really doesn't seem relevant at all.
What do you think? Should we turn our backs on unattainable couture? Or is this historic art worth dreaming about?
Tagged in Fashion Week