The word "couture" gets thrown around quite a bit, but in reality it's a term reserved for a rarity of occasions. Haute couture is a name protected by the Paris Chamber of Commerce [1] and limited to a select group who qualify for the distinction. Which is why the semiannual Paris haute couture shows, starting once again with the Fall collections, are such a brief and exciting period!
Houses including Giambattista Valli and Chanel (as shown above) create spectacles with ornate and intricate hand-stitched made-to-order work. So what techniques in particular should you be looking out for on the runways? Find out — and zoom in on all the embellishments — in the gallery!
Beading at Elie Saab
Elie Saab ensured dresses truly sparkled with intricate handwork throughout the designs.
A Closer Look at Elie Saab's Beading
Beading at Elie Saab
A touch of glimmer was balanced with a sleek column for a more subtle effect.
A Closer Look at Elie Saab's Beading
Lace at Chanel
Chanel's lacy layers added vintage appeal to the label's Parisian chic aesthetic.
A Closer Look at Chanel's Lace
Lace at Chanel
Lace has never looked so edgy as it did here in black.
A Closer Look at Chanel's Lace
Pleating at Jean Paul Gaultier
Adding drama to an already daring collection, Jean Paul Gaultier enhanced a striking runway with geometric folds.
A Closer Look at Jean Paul Gaultier's Pleating
Pleating at Jean Paul Gaultier
Fringe and pleating created a linear tour de force.
A Closer Look at Jean Paul Gaultier's Pleating
Feathers at Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli's allover plumes gave this cocktail number wings.
A Closer Look at Giambattista Valli's Feathers
Feathers at Giambattista Valli
Even faux counts in couture — when you're referring to faux feathers, that is!
A Closer Look at Giambattista Valli's Feathers
Embroidery at Valentino
Valentino's demure designs mixed sheer fabrics with layers of delicate stitching.
A Closer Look at Valentino's Embroidery
Embroidery at Valentino
Red-hot stitching made this number a showstopper!
A Closer Look at Valentino's Embroidery
