Haute Couture

Written By Alicia Rennick

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Haute Couture

Haute Couture refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. The term 'Haute Couture' (a French expression translating literally to "high dressmaking") is commonly misused in the fashion industry to glorify clothes that are heavily embellished. The luxury of this trade is that the most experienced and talented seamstresses construct each garment by hand from start to
finish. One piece alone can take weeks to assemble.

According to Wikipedia, the term Haute Couture is protected by law in France and is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industire de Paris to strictly obide by the following three rules:

1.) The garments must be bespoke designs for private clients.
2.) The fashion house must have an atelier in Paris employing at least fifteen people.
3.) Each season the fashion house must present a collection to the Paris press.

Failing to adhere to these rules can result in the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris to revoke your membership in the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture.

Haute Couture dates back as early as the 1700's when Queen Marie Antoinette's dress maker, Rose Bertin brought fashion and Haute Couture to French Culture. From then on  French leadership in European fashion continued into the eighteenth century where inspiration was sourced from art, architecture, music and the fashions from the court of Versailles. As railroads and steamships progressed, it was increasingly common for wealthy ladies to travel to Paris to shop for clothing and accessories. Visitors would bring back clothing that was then replicated by local dressmakers illustrating to the world that the French were leading the fashion industry. As Haute Couture progressed renowned artisans; Jean Patou, Madeleine Vionnet, Lanvin and Chanel were born. These people then went on to teach the couturier's of this generation like Yves Saint Laurent and Emmanuel Ungaro who continue practicing this skilled art.

Joel&Son Fabrics, originally founded by Joel Bull, has been trading for over sixty years. Joel and his wife Daniele began their journey behind a market stall and eventually (with much hard work and dedication) expanded into a shop by the Edgware Road. In later years Joel and Daniele showed a particular interest in the Haute Couture market. Discovering the finest fabrics and a gap in the market; they pursued Haute Couture by going directly to the source where the fabric was being woven. It was then that Joel&Son Fabrics changed forever more. Now famed as the leading fabric store in Europe, we are proud to have the Royal Warrant and selling the most exclusive and beautiful materials to Aristocracy and fabric lovers around the world.

CHANEL WHITE CLASSIC BOUCLÉ WITH BLACK LAMINATED STRIP By CHANEL by Jakob Schlaepfer
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GREEN/GOLD EMBROIDERED TULLE WITH SWAROVSKI STONES By Elie Saab
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ALL OVER LACE APPLIQUÉ WITH STONES IN RED By Jakob Schlaepfer
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The sample below is a special piece in our Couture collection. Designed by one of the worlds leading Haute Couturier's; Elie Saab is known for his sophisticated and elegant designs. This stunning gold and pink flower applique is embroidered onto soft tulle and embellished with Swarovski stones giving a three dimensional appearance. Teamed with shot chiffon and lame... this is one amazing piece of fabric.

We have many more stunning fabrics available in a wide variety of colours and styles so please be invited to shop the launch of our Haute Couture section online here at Joel&Son Fabrics.