Will Haute Couture Ever Be Relevant Today?

The age-old question returns: how does Haute Couture - a craft deeply rooted within traditions and the human touch - exist in an increasingly fast-paced world?

- Sadiq Shah

Haute Couture — which translates to French for high sewing — is the craft of dressmaking that has been around for over a century, functioning as the pinnacle of costume and fashion. It is the height of dressmaking, an elite form of bespoke fashion that is intrinsically linked with the capital of fashion, France — which showcases design and innovation to the umpteenth scale. Serving as a creative laboratory for designers to dream and create with no holds barred, these creations are often only gawked at by the masses, while a small percentage of elites get to experience these extravagant creations. Thousands of hours are spent creating a single garment, made only from the best materials money can procure.

Its slow and meticulous processes oppose the winds of today, where everything is fast-paced thanks to the dawn of technology. With Haute Couture’s value system being heavily rooted in its commitment to tradition, fantasy and age-old craftsmanship, its presence within today’s society is constantly challenged and comes into question. What does Haute Couture mean today and where does it fit within the bigger picture of the world?