couture's

During couture's decline, ready-to-wear collections became more upscale.

Couture Awakens to Dreamy Looks Christina Passariello 2011

For one of couture's oldest houses, the renewal is yet to come.

Couture Awakens to Dreamy Looks Christina Passariello 2011

McQueen was couture's punk rocker: a Cockney son of a London cabbie, with enough rage to make Johnny Rotten seem sweet.

The Eccentricities of a Couturier 2010

The fuchsia silk fantasy gowns and lime-green satin corsets were anything but understated, but the setting clearly signaled a return to a less-ostentatious context that spotlit the craftsmanship that represents couture's raison d'être.

Call It Recession Chic 2009

At Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci cloaked his collection in an aura of mystery that echoed a Middle Eastern influence, using chiffon veils, metal masks, and modest lengths — a smart choice considering where much of couture's new clientele base hails from.

Call It Recession Chic 2009

Middle Easterners, Russians and, to a lesser degree, Chinese, Indians and South Americans have largely eclipsed American and French clients as the backbone of the haute couture's customer base.

Fashionably Discreet 2009

In haute couture's smaller-scaled parallel universe, designers have only their handicraft to help them make their mark on an industry blinded by brand names.

Fashionably Discreet 2009

From a fellow Canadian, also in Toronto, Shrimpton couture's collection is fabulous.

Cherie of Shrimpton Couture - A Dress A Day 2009

Becca Cason Thrash, a prominent Houston socialite and one of haute couture's most visible clients, is an ardent supporter of smaller couturiers.

Fashionably Discreet 2009

Perhaps the most successful member of haute couture's next generation, Rolland counts among his clients a number of Middle Eastern royals, while Josse and Sorbier have earned the support of social heavyweights like Ivana Trump.

Fashionably Discreet 2009