Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci-Haute Couture

In France -- the birthplace of couture -- to earn a right to the title of 'couturier' or the right to use the term 'couture' for branding or advertising, one must first become a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. It's not only tough to be accepted, but once the designer is in, they must follow certain rules to maintain their status. They have to design made-to-order garments for private clients, maintain a Parisian atelier with at least fifteen employees and present their collections twice a year for the Parisian press. In fact, there are only ten official members: Adeline André, Anne Valérie Hash, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dominique, Sirop, Franck Sorbier, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maurizio Galante and Stéphane Rolland. Some choose to run pretty small but reputable couture houses and some are global superstars. Along with the official members, there are also foreign members like Elie Saab, Valentino, Armani and Margiela. Then there are guest members like Alexis Mabille, and of course, there are accessory members too, like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron. So long story short: this term is not to be taken lightly. It's important to note how little fashion houses make from their couture line. Sure, it sells for a lot of money, but it is also extremely expensive to make. The profits remain fairly low, if there is any at all. Couture is created for two reasons: status and art, and over the last couple of years, Givenchy has stolen the light for me. One word, AUH-Mazing xx

Givenchy Couture A/W 2011-12

Givenchy Couture Spring 2011

Givenchy A/W 2010-11

Images courtesy of junejoonjaxx.com, trendland.net and businessoffashion.com