GRANDEUR

“ Edition 01” THE MAGAZINE 20/21/2023

When History The Devil is in the She who embodies the grandeur Chasing haute
was made. Details of haute couture. couture all day.
Grandeur 2023

CONTENT

Editorial 04
Ritika Sanikere & Krishna Priya U

When History was made. 06

Navi Bhandari

The Devil Is In The Details. 08

Mansi Nagori

She Who Embodies The Grandeur Of Haute Couture 10

Ritika Sanikere

Chasing Haute Couture All Day. 12

Krishna Priya U

02 03
Grandeur 2023

Haute couture is often thought of as a mysterious, exclu-

sive world reserved for the wealthy elite. But what exact-
ly is haute couture, and who are the people behind it?

Haute couture, which translates to “high fashion,” refers to the creation of

custom-made, high-end clothing and accessories. These garments are
typically made to order for individual clients, and is known for its intricate
designs, luxurious fabrics, and exceptional craftsmanship. The designers
and artisans tirelessly work to create hone their skill to the perfect fit, the
perfect drape, and the perfect finish, ensuring each garment is a true
work of art.

Behind all the glitz and glam of a red

carpet or fashion show, there’s a lot that
goes on in the world of Haute Couture that
eludes many. Get a rare glmse into this
realm for the extravagant, as we explore
the culture, the people and the history
that make it such a unique and fascinating
world. Join us as we delve into this sphere
But despite the artistry and skill for the elite, and discover why it continues
that goes into haute couture, it to inspire and captivate us.
is often considered a members-
only exclusive club, accessible
only to the wealthy and
powerful. And while it is true
that the cost of haute couture
garments can be prohibitively
expensive for many, it is
important to remember that
haute couture is more than
just a luxury product, it is a
form of self-expression and a
celebration of the human ability Go ahead and scan the code for a musical
to create beauty. and immersive experience of our tabloid.

04 05
“When History Was Made” 2023

“ When History Was Made” Haute couture are garments

that are very unique and
different in nature and are a
showcase of art and fashion
together . Its popularity can be
attributed to its exclusivity and
Haute couture is known to be started in France but actually the concept of haute couture was introduced by
craftsmanship .The quality of
an Englishman who was famed but is forgotten now, Charles Frederick worth, 1825, started training in London
the process and the designers
before he moved to Paris for work, he worked as a salesman for Gagelin. He was the one who introduced the
work makes it so special .
first haute couture house in Paris with luxury fashion for upper class women. The phrase haute couture was
Even now they are custom
used for the first time in 1908.
made and exclusive . These
shows are a sneak- peak into
high fashion and the future of
fashion.

The French press created something

called PIAS - L'Association de Protection
des Industries Artistiques Saisonnières
, this was introduced to protect
individual haute couture designs from
Many upcoming designers aspire to be a part of
piracy. There were new specifications
this segment of the fashion industry , This leads
established for these designers –
to the increase in showcase of fashion and art
designs should be made to order for
in the industry as more designers join in. Even
private clients, with only one or more
technology in today's world is making it easier for
fittings , they should have at least 20
these designers to make such unique garments
members of staff and the last one was
and makes this field bigger. The pricing of these
the couture houses should present a
garments makes the clientele small in number
collection each season with at least 35
but the demand of these wearable art is way
runs with both daytime and evening
more than the clientele.
wear to the Paris press .

In 1946 there were around 106 couture

houses but with the couture houses
reduced to just 19 in 1970. Many
designers blamed the strict rules for
this fall.
Around 1977 Yves Saint Laurent
launched Saint Laurent Rive Gauche,
it was the first couture boutique . Soon
Pierre Cardin, Andre Courreges . Ted
Lapidus and Emanuel Ungaro followed
suit and opened their own stores .

06 07
“The Devil Is In The Details” 2023

“ The Devil Is In Ihe Details” The runway shows being the most important and
fascinating, are invite only, making them out of
reach for the majority. The shows in itself are a
whole experience and play a significant role in
the perception of the idea of the collection.

“It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that Haute Couture is a symbol of power & prestige
heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” -Coco Chanel for people that do not have to reach for the
price tag while playing with fashion. Much
like art, haute couture pieces are considered
investments by the super rich. They often go
unsold, so why spend hours on end to create
these one-of-a-kind pieces? It’s because they
bring a great deal of publicity to the design
house and in turn drive sales to the ready to wear
section which is cheaper and accessible to the
masses.

But the main objective of haute couture

is not to drive sales or be wearable, but
to create, simply for the sake of creating.
These collections are much like a blank
canvas for artists, that give us insights into
the vision of some of the industry’s most
ingenious minds. They are larger than life
and a form of self-expression for designers.
They are a celebration of fashion and are
meant to be memorable.

These pieces make use of the finest fabrics,

the most time consuming and labour-
intensive practices with the world’s most
Against popular notion, haute couture is much more than just exquisite gowns, it is a space skilled workforce. Why?
regulated by law. Simply to keep the artistry alive.
But the craftsmanship isn’t the only thing
With a miniscule association of 14 permanent members and a meagre 2000 in clientele, how that makes it so special. It’s the creative
does haute couture remain the most influential in fashion? thought process that commences this
laborious dressmaking practice.
It starts with an idea and ends with the finished outcome but the real artistry lies in everything
that is in between. They are carefully handcrafted with a lot of attention to detail, with each It is like art in a lot of ways, it is bliss for
piece taking months to make. Although details are minute, they are paramount. The beauty is in those who dare to create it.
the process. Think voluminous feathers, delicate embroidery, eye-catching details etc.

08 09
She
Who Embodies the
Grandeur of Haute Couture
From an obsession with the art of Haute Couture to investing time and money (lot’s of
money) into fashion, Christine Chiu gives Granduer a peek into her mind and thoughts
on this extravagant world of Haute Couture.
Haute Couture is a term used to describe the highest level of
bespoke fashion, synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and
elegance. For many people, it is an unattainable dream. But
for the likes of Chirstine Chiu, Haute Couture is a way to stand
out from the crowd, express individuality and feel like a
million dollars in it’s truest sense.
Christine Chiu is a Taiwanese-American successful
businesswoman and philanthropist with a powerful
social life and is known for her impeccable taste
and love of Haute Couture fashion. She lives
in Los Angeles with her husband and son and
when she’s not pre-occupied with high-profile
events and red carpet appearance, she’s
bustling with her work as an actor and producer
for the Netflix reality TV series ‘Bling Empire’.
An inspiration to many, Christine is a true
embodiment of the opulence and sophistication
that Haute Couture represents.
For Chiu, Haute Couture is more than just a
fashion statement, it is a way of life, it’s about
having the privilege to wear a piece of art that has
been crafted with the utmost attention to detail
and precision. She appreciates the craftsmanship
and creativity that goes into each garment,
and believes that it is this level of dedication
that makes Haute Couture so special. She too
has a level of commitment towards the Haute
Couture culture. She treats it like a year-long
project, attending a million fittings to get these
pieces exactly as she envisions them and then
debuts these masterpieces them during Fashion
Week for the ultimate “I have arrived” moment.
To her, this love affair with luxury fashion is a form
of self-expression, facilitating her to showcase
her individuality and personal style in the most
exorbitant manner.
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2023
Christine ‘s love of Haute Couture extends
beyond just wearing it, she is also an avid
collector of vintage Couture pieces and
parallels this passion to collecting art. She
finds the history and the stories behind these
garments to be just as fascinating as the
garments themselves. A staunch believer in
the fact that each Couture piece has a story
to tell and that it is vital to preserve them for
future generations to appreciate, love and
swoon over, is faith Christine wakes with.
Christine is now gearing up in anticipation for
Paris Haute Couture Week 2023 and inquires
about the inspiration and the journey of the
collection to understand its essence. The
designers input about their thought process,
being able to get into their mind enables her
to appreciate their work beyond just the face
value and beauty. She finds herself going back
to the brands who have invested immense
effort to cultivate a relationship and court her
by providing a luxurious, personalized and
exclusive experience.
When it comes to spending on Haute
Couture, Christine doesn’t mind splurging. To
her, the investment is worth it for the level of
craftsmanship and extravagant service she
receives and finds it to be a small price to pay
for the joy it brings her. Once she has her eye
set on something, the price is just another
number. She spares no expense when it
comes to changing her looks for every show
she attends including new hair and makeup
or even travel and security of her jewels and
other exorbitant possessions.
As she attends her first show of the
week seated right in the FROW
with the likes of Zendaya and Kiera
Knightly, Christine is filled with
anticipation and excitement to
witness what the realm of Haute
Couture has to offer this year. There
is a buzz of energy in the room right
before the show starts and she laps
it up. As one of the model struts the
ramp, the wheels start to churn in
Christine’s head. She swoons with
desire to covet the exquisite piece.
As the designers bow at the show,
Christine immediately begins to
dial the sales rep because after
all, Haute Couture is borderline a
game of fastest-finger-first but with
higher stakes.
11
“Chasing Haute Couture All Day” 2023

5. Browse through the latest haute couture

“ Chasing Haute Couture All Day” 2

collections online and consider the trends
that may help her flourish in her job.

6. Starts the day with a visit to her favorite

Sarah is a socialite who throws extravagant, high-end themed parties, where guests are encouraged to dress in haute couture designer for a private fitting
their most opulent attire. An heiress who travels the world, visiting the most exclusive luxury boutiques and fash- of the latest collection.
ion houses, and sharing her experiences and finds on her lifestyle blog or Instagram account. A fashion designer
who specializes in creating custom haute couture pieces for a select group of elite clients. A personal stylist who
helps high-net-worth individuals curate the perfect luxury wardrobe and offers fashion consultation.
There’s something about haute couture that just captivates her. It’s the intricate designs, the luxurious fabrics,
7. Head to a five-star hotel for a luxurious
and the overall feeling of opulence. she can’t help but drool over the beautiful gowns and imagine what it would
spa treatment, followed by lunch at the
be like to wear one.
hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant with
her colleagues to discuss her business
So, how does her day-to-day life look?
concepts and moodboards.
Well, it probably looks a lot different than yours.

1. Wakes up to a personal butler

1
8. Take a private jet to Milan for some high-
bringing her a cup of coffee or tea end shopping and visit an art gallery or
in bed, served on a silver tray with a museum.
small bouquet of fresh flowers and
she’s in her golden slip dress that
perfectly hugs her curves.

Paris
2. Takes a private yoga or Pilates
class in her home gym, wearing
designer activewear. Milan

9. Return home for a dinner party with

3. Enjoys a gourmet breakfast,
friends, hosted by a famous chef, and

1
prepared by a private chef, featuring
featuring only the finest wines.
only the freshest, organic ingredients.

4. Have a professional hair and

makeup artist come to her home to
3 10. Later takes a trip to an exclusive
nightclub for some dancing and mingling
give her a luxurious beauty treatment with celebrities and other high-society
and have a personal shopper pick figures and wore stunning green dress
up any necessary items for the paired with leather jacket and boots.
day and make sure that the outfit
for the day is perfect. Her personal
shopper went for an all-black outfit
that included a black coat, belts 11. Incorporates a luxurious face mask into
that fit like a glove, and a frilled skirt. her skin care routine, such as a gold or
She slipped into her stilettos paired diamond infused mask from La Prairie skin
with pearl-gold accessories and a caviar to add a touch of glamour to her
handbag to complete the look. skincare routine and then ends her day in
the luxury of her mansion.

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“Grandeur”

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2023 EDITION