High-end fashion designers have built an organization of haute couture since 1945. Since 1945, a list of authorized couture houses have published their collections every year through fashion shows. This system of haute couture still exists today, and has given high fashion a unique position in the world. The term “haute couture” refers to high sewing or high dressmaking. Each garment is exclusively made for each costumer, and is usually made from high quality fabric and exquisite detail. These types of garments are known to make for women in the upper class since the early 18th century. The influence of couture followed through the 19th and 20th century inspiring fashion designers. Charles Frederick Worth was the mastermind behind this exciting new addition to the fashion world. Although he was born in Bourne, England, his mark was made in Paris, France. He became known as the father of Haute Couture. Worth created a beautiful collection of handmade garments for clients and became known for his designs. He then created the first fashion house “House of Worth” that became an instant success.
Charles catered to the wealthy due to his high level of designs and quality of fabrics that used. Haute Couture became known as exclusive items purchased by women who were willing to spend a great amount of money on luxurious garments. Worth was the only first to bring about the revolution in couture. Haute Couture was granted the status of “protected name” in 1945 by Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris. It is a name that is legally protected in Paris and has been trademarked.
A list of members in The Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne today consists of the most influential and successful fashion houses of 19th and 20th century. This list includes current members Coco Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Stephane Rolland, Givenchy, and former members Jean-Louis Scherrer, Christian Lacroix, Paco Rabanne, Pierre Balmain and Yves Saint Laurent. Garments made by these designers are very pricey and only serve a purpose to about 200 regular customers. Therefore it is not a very reliable source of income to the design houses. Due to the great cost of items made by these designers, the couture houses have lost business and are decreasing in size. If couture is lost in the future, it will be like loosing an art form in the fashion world. Haute Couture is still kept alive today by a few fashion designers. However, its only caters to a small exclusive market therefore it is very hard to uphold.
The number of couture houses has significantly fallen over the 20th century. It went from 106 houses in 1946 to approximately 18 houses in the year 2000. That is why today a lot of top couture houses like Chanel and Lacroix have reduced their work in couture and have since focused on their “prêt-a-porter” collections, that is going to be affordable to a bigger selection of people. Unfortunately, Couture is no longer the main source of revenue for top design houses, therefore custom clothing
