Economic Crisis does not stop the Old Masters in Paris
The news today is giving out a troublesome report ” it says that haute couture is vanishing. The majority think this way because of the current global recession, and it worries people who still practicing this fashion style.
Haute couture consists of a select few dyers, feather makers, and the creative mind of a few couturiers. Paris is believed to be one of the fashion capitals of the world. It gave rise to big fashion labels such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Lauren.
Coco Chanel’s Chanel
Chanel recently announced the layoff of its 200 temporary employees, shocking the whole fashion world. The news landel like a bombshell since this manufacturer of French luxury goods worldwide is supposed to be as secure and snug as a Cartier diamond in a box.
The report of the layoffs first came from the trade unions. It waas then confirmed by the Wertheimer family whom typically never speek about their Chanel business publicly, and added to the shock of the layoffs.
Karl Lagerfield was asked if the existing global recession has had any negative effects on the upcoming Sping couture season, he said only on the conversation. As designer and creator of ready-to-wear and haute couture collections from Chanel, his reply is such a good front.
Moreover, he said that theres always a customer for exceptional clothes whether it is the wife of a Russian Oligarch or a Hollywood actress dreaming of the perfect haute couture dress to make her stand out from the crowd on the red carpet. Chanels recent collection includes white wool jackets (narrow, squared-off shoulders) worn with the new A-line skirt which gives a split-front illusion.
YSL
Ten years ago, Yves Saint Laurent previous chairman described haute coutures contemporary problem calling it the opposite of business. He said that these days, people find it hard to grasp the real value of an elegant couture show, which is to create one-of-a-kind, exquisite clothes using various needle crafts.
Dior
Diors chief executive, Sidney Toledano, is a bit more positive. He said that their house received an increase in haute couture customers for the past 2 years. The numbers may be relatively small, but it is still an increase. We just have to give more sense of work in what we do, he concluded.
In his latest collection, the designer director for Dior, John Galliano, showed a palette of pinks and pale blues with an odd slash of scarlet and a lot of off-white. The rippling skirts and jackets flatter the waist and face, especially if worn with a pair of trousers or softer skirts. There were also swagged ball gowns, satin slim cocktail dresses that have open necklines, half-hidden corset, and a dollop of draping.
Ten years from now it is predicted that it will be unlikely if there are more than 2-3 design houses producing haute couture collections 2 times a year. The cost to produce a suit or dress by hand is likely to be the major factor in the drop of couture collections. The fashion world still hopes that these predictions will not come true and the old masters in Paris will still stay alive (and even thrive) regardless of the global downturn.
In times of financial insecurity, the cognizant bon vivant protects his standard of living by means of the only trustworthy investment. Gold.
