Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2012/2013

Haute couture shows in Paris are put on by giant corporations like LVMH, PPR, and Chanel. But they are also held by small independent fashion houses. Born from the passion of an artist who must also be saavy at business, these houses continue to flourish despite economic crises. In spite of the rising costs of primary materials, they continue to offer their clients dream dresses.
We are at Julien Fournié’s. He has been in this industry for nearly a decade. 48 hours before his show, we visit his atelier, which has been transformed into a workshop resembling that of a great couture house. The atmosphere is frantic.
Let’s continue the festivities with the duo On Aura Tout Vu. They are celebrating their ten years in business at the Jardins du Palais Royal. Their collection is absolutely regal !
Rock queens, beauty queens, the queen of France, the queen of England… The first ladies at On Aura Tout Vu can be kitch, chic or glamorous. Fashion is about the art of seduction. Alexandre Vauthier stages his catwalk show in the hall of minerals at the Museum of Natural History. He presents long, fluid silhouettes that seem interminable.
Maison Martin Margiela, even after the departure of Martin Margiela himself, retains its reputation as the most fashion-forward brand. Sitting in the front row is Raf Simons, the newly-appointed creative director at Dior. Backstage, we find Renzo Rosso, the man who made a fortune after launching the brand Diesel. Thanks to the booming sales of these jeans, Rosso was able to buy the fashion houses Viktor and Rolf and Martin Margiela. Since then, he has learned what fashion is all about.
Haute couture is an intangible dream. It’s only when it collides with business that is transformed into a tangible one.