It is fascinating to study diverse creative industries – creative minds fascinate me to no end, and there is a lot to be learned from those who set the standards in the worlds of interiors, fashion, advertising, technology. It all begins with somebody who can dream outside of the box, dream big enough, dream ahead.
Then there is that space between concept and completion, which involves numerous highly trained artisans to construct the designer’s dreams with surgical skill. These craftspeople who make visions into reality are celebrated in Vendome’s stunning book Haute Couture Ateliers, The Artisans of Fashion, with breathtakingly beautiful images shot by Alexis Lecomte of the details of the processes of fashion artistry.
Above: On white tulle ground, fuchsia Rhodoid scrolls set with glass stones and sequins.
“Whether their creations are restrained or daring, traditional of revolutionary, simple or luxurious, couturiers could not exist without craftspeople…Equally, the craftspeople could not exist without the designers. They are mutually dependent.” -Helene Farnault
Oscar Carvallo creation above. Gown of Sophie Hallette lace, embroidered with copper beads, tulle flounces and appliqué leather peacock feathers on the bodice. Eagle Eye collection, winter 2013.
That we expect to be wowed every season by fashion requires endless details of craftsmanship to bring creative ideas to life – embroiderers, lacemakers, weaves, textile painters, pleaters, artificial flower makers, leatherworkers, glass blowers, leather workers and fan makers. This book captures these artisans at work and even gives a resource list for these top talents. Incredible!
Long buster dress in dipped lambskin and cloud grey chiffon. Glass petal plastron. Stephane Rolland, summer 2013.
This book is beautifully organized, with two forwards penned by Hubert de Givency and Didier Grumbach, a section featuring five couture designers, and then the majority of the book dedicated to the craft ateliers, one chapter for each discipline, transporting the reader to the behind the scenes world of haute couture.
Broderies Vermont private collection. Silk ottoman fitted coat with oak leaves embroidered in gold cannetille. Alexander McQueen for Givency, spring-summer 1997.
Design notebook containing lists of materials, colors and dye references, as well as feather samples.
This book is a beautiful addition to any library or cocktail table, offering a beautiful insider perspective of the fashion industry and a front seat on the runway. Lecomte’s photography captures the elegance and movement of fashion with no shortage of detail. Haute Couture Ateliers – The Artisans of Fashion is a must have reference for anyone interested in fashion.
Contributors:
Alexis Lecomte is a Paris-based photographer who has contributed to numerous French and European fashion magazines.
Helene Faunault, author, is a consultant on crafts and fashion who has been an advisor to France’s Ministry of Culture.
288 pages, 275 color illustrations, published September 2014
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