Couture: What is it?  

How to Shop for a Couture Gown 101

Just like any other service no two Couturiers (or Dressmakers) are alike and vary on level of expertise.  Take the time to make an appointment and meet your Designer in person, look closely at their sample gowns to see the level of work involved both inside and out, and always ask to see photos of work they've done for other clients.  

Always make sure to beyond someone's website and what it claims, ask to see references and even a resume when you visit for your Consultation Appointment!  See if they will let you peek into the workroom, if not that may be a sign that the gowns are made elsewhere and they're not being honest with you about where their work is done.  Don't forget that you're interviewing someone for a very important job, make sure you find someone for the job who has tackled bigger projects than yours before.  Experience is priceless and the work should speak for itself.  

Seams Couture gown inside, Photo by Authentic Eye

Charles James, American Couturier gown detail

It's not just semantics.

Not just anyone can simply call themselves a Couturier without years and hopefully decades of experience. Couturier is the same Title as 'Chef' and means the one who knows the entire craft and everyone's job under them, Couturiers can virtually do all tasks from Design to Patternmaking, Cutting, Fitting and Handwork Finishing.  Just learning how to properly FIT a garment takes years of on the job observation while assisting a Fitter.  Training for Couture can only be done by assisting and working for others, there is no school even in Paris that can give someone a diploma in Couture.  Everyone works their way up and it takes 3 years before a new employee is even allowed to use the iron in an Atelier!  

Anyone with less to show in terms of experience and training is simply a Dressmaker.  Seamstresses (the lady you take your pants to for hemming) are simply a part of the Staff, and not the Chef.

The term Haute Couture is literally a designation by the French Government requiring an exam similar to the Lawyer's Bar or Architect's A.R.E., using it without certification in France is forbidden.
Haute Couturier Yumi Katsura showed at Bridal Market in New York, and we were blown away by her work in person.  This gown in the photo is covered with thousands of hand crocheted petals, truly a Couture Work of Art:

Much as we love watching 'Say Yes to the Dress' we cant help but chuckle every time they face the camera and sternly advise the viewer against having a gown made.  It's not that simple is it?

So here it is:  Just like any Retail Store selling gowns off the rack you should enter into the experience feeling calm and like they not only get you, are listening, but have your back.  If not, keep shopping!  Ignore 'SYTTD' and have your gown made by an experienced Couture House who can properly take care of you every step of the way.  They're probably warning you against the local Dressmaker lady who may be taking on more than she can, or someone right out of Fashion School who hasn't earned their chops yet.

Seams Couture is taking Consultation Appointments for 2012 and 2013 Custom Wedding Dresses, Gowns, and Women's Tailored Suits.  Or anything else you can dream up!
Email WraptureDress@yahoo.com or call 978 473-3398.