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8 Things You May Not Know About Haute Couture

By Ryan Michael Cheung; Runway by Anthea Simms | Flare – Tue, 5 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM EDT

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011
Protected by Law

Under French law, a fashion house can only be deemed haute couture if it produces 35 limited, hand-sewn made-to-order day and evening pieces designed by at least a team of 15 full-time employees. The title of haute couture is governed by the Chambre Syndicale who help organize the biannual presentations in Paris. Chanel, under the leadership of Karl Lagerfeld, was the subject of a 2005 documentary mini-series, Signé Chanel, where viewers got a rare glimpse inside the couture house and the making of a full collection.

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2011
152 Years Young

British designer Charles Frederick Worth, often called the father of haute couture, was one of the first designers to ever present his collections in fashion show form. His custom-made couture designs set the bar for those who followed in his footsteps.

Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring 2011
Couture Clique

Only a select few can afford, and have access, to haute couture. When over 1,000 hours can be spent on a single embroidered gown, crafted by over 50 workers per dress, only a small group of about 500 women can actually afford to own these coveted pieces. Talk about limited edition!

Azzedine Alaïa, Designer. Photo by Getty Images
Azzedine Alaïa Returns

The reclusive designer will return this season to the haute couture schedule with a semi-couture collection under a special invitation from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. The designer is a long-time member, but has shown privately since the mid-'90s. Semi-couture will act as a new bridge between the ready-to-wear market and haute couture. Yes, couture for masses. (Sort of.)

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011
Day of Diamonds

A whole day during the haute couture shows in Paris is dedicated to only jewellery. On July 7, Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Boucheron, Chaumet and Mellerio dits Meller will present some of the world's most haute fashion baubles. This season, the Chambre Syndicale has scheduled Azzedine Alaïa to present his collection on the same day as the jewellery.

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011
Couture on Sale

Designs seen on the runway, which range between sizes two and four, are often sold at a significant discount than the price you would pay if you had the piece custom-made at the atelier.

Giambattista Valli, Designer
Guest Members

Some may say couture is dead, but designers Giambattista Valli and Iris Van Herpen think not. They are the newest members of the couture clan and will present their collections on opening day. But as with many of the most exclusive clubs, Valli and Van Herpen are only guests and cannot label their collections haute couture.

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011
Paraffection

In 2002, the house of Chanel acquired a number of suppliers in including Guillet (floral fabric artisans), Desrues (accessories), Goossens (goldsmiths), Lemarié (feathers), Lesage (embroidery), Massaro (shoes) and Maison Michel (hats), in order to support the small industry. The group, known as Paraffection, may be owned by Chanel, but you'll see their work in many of the other couture collections.