A Whole New World

Haute couture steps out from the glamour of night and into the glorious sunshine of day.

- Gerald Tan

When uber-socialite, Susanna Kang, tied the knot two decades ago, she did it in ways that befitted her burgeoning reputation as Singapore’s new style star: She had two intricate Valentino haute couture dresses made for her evening looks. “We stayed in Milan for a week for them to fix it,” Kang recalls.

Kang belongs to a league of women privileged enough to be ushered past hushed corridors and into the most rarefied world where fashion fantasies are brought to life. In recent years, however, the industry has raised questions about couture’s relevance, what with the proliferation of ready-to-wear pieces that are also made with exceptional levels of know-how. Kang insists there is a difference—and it is most keenly felt on an emotional level: “It may look good, but it’ll never feel the same. Couture will always be magical and inspiring because women will always have their fantasies and dreams.”

Just like how couture’s doors are open to a select few, only some brands have managed to achieve this honour. To hold the distinction of a haute couture House means meeting the stringent requirements set by French governing body Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Naturally, Paris is the epicentre where all the magic happens.