From the very beginning, fashion has always been a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. Though times have changed, and fashion is now more easily accessible to a wider range of social and economic classes, the line separating the wealthy is still in existence and quite apparent.
This line also exists within fashion itself, creating two main categories; Couture and Ready-to-Wear. Couture is defined and translated from French as “sewing”; making it an appropriate title for the type of pieces it represents. Couture clothing is very much about the perfect fit, intricate detailing, and elaborate structural designs. Every piece of couture clothing is one of a kind. And for these reasons, a couture piece can cost a good fortune, making it an obtainable treat for only the most privileged. Some labels that are members of the elite Couture group that make these lavish pieces are, the infamous Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Hermes.
Now, on the other side of the spectrum lays Ready-to-Wear, another term originating from a French term, prêt-à-porter. What this basically means is designer apparel that is sold to boutiques in bulk of standard sizes and arrays of color. Prices of Ready-to-Wear pieces vary, but are considerably much more affordable in contrast to Couture. Many well known designer labels only produce Ready-to-Wear collections, though may create one of a kind couture-like pieces on request for some of their influential clients.