In the grand world of Haute Couture, “where art meets hand sewn, made to order rare garments” or when “to combine the grand gesture with the intimate detail”, collectors consist of only 2000 women around the world, who have unlimited access to all of the world’s most exclusive garments, also have an unlimited amount of cash.
But what is the attraction you might ask?
I’d say, if you are an art collector who would plonk a few hundred thousand dollars for what a mere mortal like I might describe as “a squiggle on a plain white canvas”, you might be able to identify the value of such pieces and how it can be worthy of an investment.
For me, my justifications for wanting to purchase one of these rare garments would be:
1. It’s art, duh need I say more?
2. It’s art and I can wear it too! (To the MET Ball perhaps?!)
3. For any reason I should go broke trying to procure my own Carrie Bradshaw-like wardrobe of Manolo’s, I can still auction it! Hurrah!
What about you ladies? How do you justify your purchases at the end of the day?
Words by Ava Azlin D’Rossi
Pictures via The Guardian
Anne
2012/01/09
Most of my purchases are not too expensive and just some cheap stuff by Zara or H&M. But when it comes to the more expensive garments it needs to be a one of a kind and just perfect for me. Then it's totally ok for me to spend some more because these pieces will last for a long time in my wardrobe. Quality counts!
Ava
2012/01/09
Exactly Anne ! One of a kind pieces hence couture are made to measure and you will have the privilege of examining the pieces and creating it along with the designer. Ensuring that every stitch to the bodice, beading and hem to the waist fits you like a dream, not to mention exclusivity in owning one of a few pieces around the world. Hey, I would pass an Hermes Birkin anytime, to plonk a down payment for a couture dress
Jakob
2012/01/09
I think you definitely have to consider fashion as an art form if solely for the reason that you can't measure the worth of garment related to the costs involved producing it. You have to ask yourself what it's worth to yourself, if you love it buy it but same as every collectors item it's only worth what you see in it.