I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea Ciaraldi, Creative Director of Giorgio Armani, last week. First at a fitting for Armani Privé Haute Couture (trust me, there is no experience like being fitted for Haute Couture, apex to apex) and later at a dinner at Fashionista Founder Heidi Dillon's home. Andrea is the ultimate charming Italian man. He insisted I try on the Haute Couture sample pieces and when I came out he raved in his delicious Italian accent "You are amazing, why are you hiding under layers of wool and boxy jacket? You must show this body off! Most models don't even fit into our sample sizes, you are perfect!" Talk about ego boost, I almost ordered the pink beaded gown on the spot. The cost of an average Haute Couture gown made to order, is a whooping six figures. But considering it takes over 300 hours to apply the beading and beautiful details, it is well worth the price, isn't it? There are a mere 2,000 Haute Couture collectors worldwide, while most are over the age of 60, there is a growing group of young girls (20's and 30's) buying into the art of Haute Couture. After this amazing experience, how can I go back to off the rack ready-to-wear?
Anyone who has had the same experience will agree, it is an exquisite art that must be continued. But seeing how haute couture artisans have dropped from 46,000 to only 4,500, it is up to the new generation of collectors to keep it going. An article from the UK Telegraph stated that ten years ago, Couture collectors consisted mainly of Aristocrats and Texan wives but are now extending to young professionals and entrepreneurs (like my girlfriend who wishes to remain unnamed). No longer the "trophy wives", women who make their own money collect couture as men would fine art or say, an Aston Martin.
Ciaraldi said Mr. Armani was inspired by the art of Japanese origami this season. The laminated iguana jacket pictured above and on me below was meticulously pleated and stitched so that it will always keep the orgami folds. The two dresses also have gorgeous pleated detailing as well hand beading which took hundreds of hours to complete. It was such a thrill to try on Haute Couture pieces hot off the Paris runway! As you can imagine, we are just as snobby about our clothes as we are about our bags, look for the launch of Couture Snob this summer!
Photo credit: Armani Privé Haute Couture
UPDATE- This entry was updated on Sunday, March 2nd.
I can not wait for Couture Snob! My mother as a dozen pieces and is considered a minor collector, maybe I can send you pictures of some of the pieces for Couture Snob.
You look ravishing by the way, the clothes look better on you than on the emaciated models=)
X
Jane
Tina you are one after my heart. I too Love Haute Couture . I have 8 pcs to date .. And yes I told you about us 20 somethings buying Haute Couture Everything a while back ! My bff (whom loves your site by the way) has over 30 pcs of haute couture . Jan & July she takes those months off JUST to attend the shows in Paris. And she gets fitted through out the year.
FYI : You look so fab ! I am looking forward to Couture Snob... OH YES YES YES !
There is a Club and a Department store that caters to the Haute Couture Fittings . Nothing is off the rack. Its called
Nichele-Antionette
www.nichele-antionette.com . A Private club full of 20-30 somethings whom live breathe and EAT Haute Couture. ! . They will not let the art DIE.
FYI: Adeline Andre is my fav Haute Couture House. I think there are only 10 "official-houses to date ?" no?
I love the fact that other designers are going into haute couture. But the argument is can you really call your self haute couture ( which is a legal term) with out being accepted by Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris ?
What are your thoughts on that?
How spectacular! I always dreamed of wearing Haute Couture. Considering how much I spend on ready-to-wear each month, I probably should take the plunge myself.
I was told by a Houston friend who collects Couture that a jacket can run anywhere from $35-$100,000. Do you know how much that python jacket is?
You must tell us if you ended up ordering anything!
By the way, thank you for sharing the photos. I had no idea how beautiful Armani Prive Haute Couture is.
I always thought of Chanel, Valentino, and Lacroix when I think of modern day couture.
It looks like Prive is a bit more understated, which I love.
If we are going to talk about couture Mr. GALLIANO won my heart the origami inspired collection was made first By John Galliano for Dior, Just take a look at Heidi Klum at the red carpet Galliano design. For me that's when art and fashion gets together you get couture.
You look so fabulous in that green dress. Love love love the dress!
xoxo
Hi All,
From a collector's stand point, I feel it is best to buy from designers approved by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris which require the following:
"The number of fittings, employees and outfits per collection are all regulated by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris. Consequently, only a handful of houses can afford to meet these requirements - including Chanel, Dior, Gaultier, Givenchy and Lacroix, with Valentino, Armani and Elie Saab as foreign members - where once there were more than 30. In its postwar heyday, haute couture employed 46,000; today there are a mere 4,500 such artisans." From UK Telegraph
According to the article I got this from, there are only 200 couture collectors in the world. I will do further research as the number given to me by my source was 2,000.
I am fascinated by the world of Haute Couture, it is old world glamour at its best. I have many friends who collect and who are guiding me through the process.
There are secrets and tips to collecting Haute Couture, but of course you will have to wait until Couture Snob to find out :)
xoxox
Yes Tina ! and please consult with your fellow collectors as well. We know the secrets indeed.:) I am counting down the days till Couture snob. :) And it has to be in the 2k range because there are more than 200 20-30 somethings that i know of .. We saw our parents and grand parents collect so we carry on the tradition. :)
And honestly there is really no way of knowing the true number of Haute Couture Wearers because not all attend the shows. And designers are very hush hush about "the list"
Its like a doctor patient relationship. My grandma has been apart of the "club" since she was 19 years old . And she's now 82 .. and no one beyond the "house" would know that. That is what makes it so special so haute .
And clarification Nichele-Antionette does not sell Haute couture approved by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris ,But the members meet together before they buy from the approved houses. The store does sell haute couture everything from shoes to cosmetics in the true tradition of approved Haute Couture. Maybe one day it will be the place where the old meets the new ? Anywho its a great store and the girls are great. And I am sure they will swoon over the creation of Couture Snob!
Pam darling,
I agree that the number is closer to 2,000. And yes, it's all very hush hush and quiet. I know I am going to get in trouble for disclosing the price of the dress but at least I am not naming any names. :)
I've always been part of this inner fashion circle and when I started blogging I think I kind of scared everyone! But at least they know that I am writing from first hand experience and not just randomly blogging about a world I know nothing of.
BTW, I am interested in your friend's department store. I will check it out the next time I am in town.
xoxo
And yes the world of Haute Couture ( anything) is hard for most to swallow. :)
And about the Dept Store Its by Invite only wonderful Tina. And you know you are indeed worthy of an invite no question. She would love to have you I am sure of it . She's a sweet heart.
And big giggles to the couture etiquette , its ok to give price ranges but never the "actual" :).
you simply can't compare Ready to wear with Haute Couture as it's the ultimate Snob's dream. Even when buying handbags,if you've got to wait, it makes it far more special.Wearing Haute Couture makes you feel like Cinderella and Tina,that green dress looks simply stunning on you-you're so lucky to be blessed with perfect figure,it must be so easy for you to buy clothes that fit perfectly!
Can't wait for the Couture blog!
xoxo
I love living vicariously through you! This is why Bag Snob is the best site, your editorials are authentic and honest and it is clear you are not just 'blogging' about a fantasy.
I love that article in the Globe and Mail, you ladies certainly have deserved all the success.
Not that I would ever be in the market for Couture but I just love reading about your experience. Can't wait for Couture Snob!
Question have you guys seen the new BVLGARI handbag collection. ? I have the Python bag in my hand as we speak and its TO DIE FOR . :) My personal shopper pulled the bag for me to look at and OMGorsh i want it ! Happy Sunday!
Hi Pam,
I've seen the new Bvlgari collection,I like the 'Twist' bag in Python with gold hardware-very decadent as it's 18k gold.
Right now I'm obsessing over YSL Capri Large-Flap Hobo in almond snake-embossed leather:)
xoxo
Lina yes .. That YSL .. and I am not much of an Embossed kinda gal... lololol. but it works.
I say go for it .
I 2nd that Catherine . These ladies are far from fantasy lulu la la land bloggers. And honestly they don't even need pictures to prove it ! The pictures and things are just the cherry on top! I am sure Couture Snob will take it to whole other! level. I can't wait.
FYI Times Magazine ( Style&Design issue) had an article about Millennials (1980-2000) picking up where their lux parents left off. Its pretty on point. Off to do nothing for the day! ... Best.
Omg, omg, omg, omg, this has absolutely made my weekend. I loved the mentioning of Fashionista too. This, Tina, is so amazing. I am so happy for you. Congratulations. As a man, I will never have the opportunity to be fitted for Haute Couture. That is, of course, unless they start Drag Haute Couture! :) I love all of those clothes on you and this has brought an amazing dimension to this website. And I don't think "excited" is the word I would use for the promise of "Couture Snob"! :) So freakin' fabulous! Wow.
This is insane! But love it
201st or 2001st haute couture collector here...AMEN!!!
Is American Ralph Rucci still on the list as far as couture designers?
I am so glad to see so many young people intrested in couture. A friend and I always get together in NYC to share our couture experiences. She collects Christian Lacroix and gaultier, I collect vintage Yves saint laurent and couture from On Aura Tout Vu. We like to keep it private, she attends the shows, I dont, and I have my fittings at a private room at the Royalton Hotel in NYC (they send the garment with the "main" to NYC from Paris). I buy couture because I love the worksmanship, but I avoid public attention, its only for me! But I am happy to see more people intrested. Cheers, Vive la haute couture