These days this word seems to be carelessly used by every sewist or brand that's just creating cut and sew ensembles for private clients.... yes there is a category called bespoke. You can create something bespoke but what makes it "Couture"? Can we call any bespoke outfit "Couture"?
Starting with first Couture house in 1858 there has been some unique features that makes it Couture & luxury that is devoted to handmade!
Either a collection inspired by a theme or be it made to order for a bride or customer a couture design always starts with a sketch and follows with a toile with custom fitting process.
Since the fabric it utilizes is very expensive and luxurious no designer ever cuts a couture design directly.
Once the type is fitted the adjustments made then the designs is mostly hand drawn for surface detailing on the toile itself. This allows the designer to better understand the design on how it will look on the body.
Once the basic work is done most couture creations will have separate lining and understructuring that is required as a base. A couturier works and builds the under structures first.
Next the actual fabric is cut in panels and basted and the surface design is drawn on the fabric and then beaded/embroidered/handpainted.
This is a time consuming process and can take up to weeks or months even!
The detail is always done by hand and fast methods such as printing, machine embroidery are not included in couture! Sadly many patrons are not aware of this and fall prey to certain designers who insist printed and machine embroidery means couture.
Also a design is always made for a collection or a patron individually and custom designs are used for each. Embroidery or lace purchased on retail from India or other countries and then sewn into a design will not fall into the category of Couture either. Again due to lack of awareness most patrons are mislead to believe because it was purchased from India ( not sharing its freely available) it can be labelled as Couture!
Once the embroidery is done it's a step by step process in hand sewing and fitting and making small adjustments and finishes to get the ultimate look.
A couture outfit will take months and possibly 4 to 5 fitons including toile!!!
The patience and participation of the patron is a must as it is a creative art piece made just for her!
At the end of the day the creation that is the result is based on a lot of hard work and many hours of labor and creative thinking and execution to achieve that dream!
If you want to get a unique couture outfit give about 6 -12 months and get in touch with us on info@yasisurikiribandara.com !
We will make something truly unique for you!
