History of Couture explores how haute couture evolved from bespoke garments for European royalty to the global luxury fashion industry. The book traces the key moments, figures, and socio-cultural shifts that shaped this transformation. For example, early dressmaking was fostered by patronage systems, highlighting how power and status played a crucial role in design innovation. The book argues that haute couture represents a unique blend of art, craft, and commerce, constantly balancing exclusivity with accessibility.
The book adopts a chronological approach, beginning with the pre-couture era and moving through the establishment of Parisian fashion houses. It examines the golden age of haute couture, challenges during social and economic upheavals, and its reinvention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Each chapter features case studies of significant designers and brands, analyzing their contributions to the evolution of fashion design.
The book relies on historical garments, archival documents, and insights from fashion theory to offer a multifaceted perspective on couture history.
