The role of fashion depends on the owner’s choice. However, there are a wide range of options one can choose from. This assessment takes into account the two popular fashion cultures present, which have dictated the choices of many individuals across the world. They are avant-garde and haute couture. The intricate designs are produced by the big fashion houses, which is different from their ready-to-wear garment pieces, which are meant to be versatile and accessible while representing features of boldness with masculine segments, monochromatic palettes, and an incredible sense of layering.
This is a French term that is used to describe a style that is distinctive, highly unusual, and is often considered experimental. This type of design is particularly notable for pushing the boundaries of acceptable fashion statements and set norms. Many designers, at a certain point in that time, have created a strange and uncommon piece of clothing, which is acceptable more among the younger generations.
There are mainly three reasons why the designers opt to follow this route −
Avant-garde design is considered a bit large, highly impractical, as well as way ahead of its time for its market. Even though this statement is true, this peculiar set of designs shines bright among other forms. It provides a path for the industry to a potential destination as well as provides opportunities to conquer the mass market over time.
According to the French, the word “haut couture” means “high-end tailoring”. It is considered the essence of dressmaking. Couture is considered to be directly linked to the ultimate luxury, the belonging-ness of exclusivity. It is the direct factor of exceptional craftsmanship and a mastering ability reflected through intricate tailoring.
The fashion houses, such as Elie Saab, Dior, Coco Chanel, etc., are some of the most prominent examples, which are even required by the French industry and department of fashion to provide their glowing image of exclusive runway. Throughout the day and night, at least 50 original garments must be on the runaway.
The exclusive nature of this show can be understood from the fact that it is not open to the general public. A small group of selected designers, editors, and investors are allowed to attend these events. These pieces are custom-made and are often one-offs. The Haute Couture fashion market has been valued at around $1 billion. And therefore, it is easier to guess the price of the garment, which starts at one dollar and reaches almost $20 million (Bartlett 2017).
For every fashion enthusiast, it’s important to remember that even though the avant-garde is a fashion statement where the aesthetic norms are defied, it should not be compared or confused with the nature of haute couture, as it can also break all the rules and the wearability limit.
| Basis | Avant-garde | Haute Couture |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Its literal meaning is "advance guard" or "vanguard." Anything that is distinctive, experimental, and often somewhat imprecise qualifies as avant-garde clothing. | Haute couture, which is a term for expensive, frequently extremely detailed designs created by major fashion houses, literally translates to high-end fitting or fashion design. |
| Client | The term "avant-garde" does not refer to a certain type of consumer. | Unique pieces created just for one client |
| Consideration | Rather then something or someone, it is considered novel, unconventional, pushing the envelope, atypical, and/or ground-breaking, typically in the context of the creative arts. | It considered most exclusive fashion label, as Haute Couture is governed by stringent guidelines. A design, a creator, or a design studio can all be referred to as haute couture. |
| Manufacture | It pushes the boundaries of creativity. It showcases vast creativity in every piece of work. | Meticulously handcrafted from fine, specialty fabrics in one of the very few haute couture houses make-up haute couture clothing. |
| Intention | It is experimentally made to set different fashion norms. | These are intentionally made to meet high-end styles and luxury expectations. |
Many people choose to go for avant-garde clothes because this represents the freedom and liberty one experiences from breaking free of the old, daily and normal expectations. These people want to describe themselves as being different and separated from the prevalent social attitudes and norms that dictate what and how one should dress. However, fashion houses and the exclusive club frequently use haute couture as inspiration to reshape it and make it more desirable.
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