Haute Couture
Anybody who is involved in fashion knows about Haute Couture. It is what they strive to create or be a part of creating. Something that is unique, one of a kind, something that will have their name all over it forever. Claude Bitton is no stranger to that feeling, attending school in France Claude Bitton was surrounded by the fashion industry and Haute Couture in its finest. He came to Toronto with a purpose, to create a demand for fashion that was even bigger than what it was in Montreal. Claude Bitton did just that, with such names as Nina Ricci, Thierry Mugler and Claude Montana. Claude Bitton helped make Hazelton Lanes what it is today.
What is Haute Couture? It is a phrase that originated in France for high fashion in the 18th century. Broken up, Haute means high or elegant while Couture means dressmaking, sewing or needlework. Anything that is considered an haute couture garment has been made by hand for someone’s precise measurements.
Haute Couture runs for hundreds of thousands of dollars for something as simple as a blouse. The price is justified due to the originality of the unique design that you would be getting, usually a one of a kind piece, in addition to the finest materials, workmanship and service for the garment. The amount of time that goes into making the garment is also a factor too. On average it takes about 1000 hours to make an evening dress.
Haute couture is not just about the clothes but the accessories too. Usually outside specialists will make accessories to go specifically with a piece that is being made by the designer. The pieces are made to complement the fabrics and “theme” of the outfit. Again, prices for these pieces can run quite high but more often than not, if someone is buying a haute couture outfit, they can afford to divulge in these accessories.
Toiles
Toiles are sample garments that are made with less expensive fabrics but are as precise as you can get to the real thing. The toile is marked, manipulated and adjusted to fit a live model’s measurements and when the sales staff and designer are pleased with the product the fabrics are chosen. One seamstress or tailor works on the garment from start to finish and all is done in one room. There is one manageress per room; they are responsible for anything that is produced in that room.
The Haute Couture Process
There is a very custom process that one has to go through to receive an Haute Couture garment. Once the decision is made to purchase haute couture, the customer has to make an appointment with whichever design house they choose prior to any visits. Once an appointment has been confirmed a Vendeuse takes over. A Vendeuse is the saleswoman that takes care of the client. They are responsible for their customers order and supervision of their fittings. The Vendeuse receives commission on the clothes that their customers purchase.
Once a customer chooses the garment that she wants, her measurements are taken and at least 3 fittings are scheduled. In some cases, more than three fittings are needed. After every fitting, the adjustments are noted and the garment is taken apart, adjusted and put back together again for the next fitting.
The final inspection of the garment is done by the Vendeuse. Once she has looked over and feels that the piece is up to the highest standards, it can be approved as haute couture and is released to the client. In the end, Haute couture fits the client like a glove highlighting their best features and hiding any bad figure flaws.
Chanel, Dior and Balengica are some of the founding names of Haute Couture, followed by Yves Saint Laurent and Lacroix. Many designers have also branched off into ready to wear lines and accessories. London, Milan and New York have become side runners with Paris as being considered the Fashion Capitals of the World.
Fashion is ever-changing; however there is one thing that will always ring true, when you think about the finest of fashion you will always think Haute Couture.
Claude Bitton was one of the first pioneers to bring haute couture to Toronto. He has inspired many others to follow - making Hazelton Lanes, Yorkville Area a destination shopping center. Claude Bitton is inspired by art in all its forms - architecture, fashion and even Persian rugs. Claude Bitton took a challenge and over came it with great success!