Couture Please.

(Elie Saab Fall 2010 Haute Couture)

I don't know if it is "correct" that I begin a fashion & lifestyle blog with couture, but what I do know is that my fashion class has made me not only fall in love with the mind-blowing task of couture, but to respect it and admire it. When we think of couture we think of legendary designers like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Chanel, Givenchy or the child prodigy Balenciaga. But I must say that through my lounging sessions of Google searches and celebrity stalking (Hahah) I've had the chance to see the name 'Elie Saab' appear in many places. I kept looking at his collections from 2009 up to current ones, both Ready-to-Wear and couture, and I have to say I just fall into some sort of dream fantasy when I look at the craftsmanship Mr. Saab invokes in all his couture gowns. He's a genius when it come to drapery and embroidery. He chooses these soothing colors and silhouettes, and he lets us understand that what he is creating is truly one-of-a-kind, and not able to be duplicated. It is so surreal to me, that this man can make such masterpieces every season and all by hand. Couture today may not be as popular as in maybe the French Revolution, or during the times of Balenciaga glory, it sort of feels like people have focused on the cost of these "works of art" and ignored the visonary efforts and influence these couture collections have. 

We have to consider that when we speak of couture, we speak mainly of "fit". Whenever a person requests a couture gown that was at the runway, they don't just get it off of a rack. It is made for YOU from scratch. From waist, to hips, to arms and neck-couture is made to fit you and only you. And of course give you the advantage of owning a one-of-a-kind piece. The designers look for a challenge in couture, and the skills learned are then applied to their Ready-to-Wear lines, making them better made each season. Couture gives the designer a chance to explode their artistry and imagination. And the few population who can afford couture, pay $30,000 for a gown because they can. I believe couture is the hierarchy of fashion; it influences every other aspect of the fashion industry. We don't have to look at couture as simply expensive any more. I think we should give it a chance and truly believe that couture exists to prove to the fashion lovers of the world that there is an ideal world in clothing and that textiles really do have the power to create a dream or a fantasy. 

I'm glad I came upon Elie Saab, because I truly believe in his artistry and he's such a talented couturier. I am glad I get to see mainstream artist like Rihanna and Beyonce wear Elie Saab's work because they are letting us know that it doesn't matter if we cannot afford them, they are there and they give fashion it's definition of workmanship and imagination. 

Left: Rhianna in Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture at the American Music Awards 2010

Right: Beyonce Knowles in Elie Saab Haute Couture at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards.

To check out more of Elie Saab and other talented designer's collections go to:  www.style.com

PS: I am officially Elie Saab OBSESSED.