Welcome to the world of Haute Couture

"Welcome to the world of haute couture, where rich women spend thousands on one gown and collect dresses like art. Paris Couture Week is often described as fashion Formula One, clothes cost from $10000 to $100000 a gown. Paula R was granted acces at the couture show, were she interviewed some of the rich women. She met Ella 43 married to a russian businessman, before Dior show, Ella goes to Dior shows most seasons. Ella still remembers when she first bought her first Dior dress more than 10 years ago and still wearing it. She explains that what she has are dresses of a lifetime, she feels special, and they give her a perfect body shape, when she puts them on she looks perfect in them.

Ella explains how it works, one cant just walk into a shop and buy a couture dress, no matter how much money they have. First you need to see the show, though some customers choose not to attend, next you make an appointment with vendeuse (sales lady), who will oversee the fittings, she will also ensure that anyone who might be ordering the same or similar look for the same event is graciously but firmly headed off. At the first appointment meticulous measurements are taken, one can try the runway sample, if they can fit into it. On the second appointment, you try on a calico version of your choice (the toile) to check the fit. On the third the fit is tuned, and will be shipped to the client as soon as it is ready. The whole process takes about 10 -12 weeksm if you are really thin you can buy the runway samples at 50% off.

Owning a couture gown can be a liability, couture dresses go to Madame Paulette, a NY- based company that collects from anywhere in the world in special hanging boxes. Cleaning a simple dress costs at least $300, a beaded gown from $500, and then theres the storage. Considering that the Dior finale gowns this season take up five square feet of floor space, and one of Gaultier's gowns last season weighed a whooping 15lbs, a big closet is a basic requirement.

Travelling with a couture gown can be a nightmare explains Ella. She explains how she walked through the airport with the dress drapped over her arms, scared it would get damaged, in the end her DIOR DRESS GOT ITS OWN SEAT ON THE PLANE, now she has her gowns shipped to where she will be wearing them.