The collections of fashion
Regarding fashion collections, the primary distinction is between menswear and womenswear. Traditionally, these have been separate and showcased at different fashion weeks. However, over time, more co-ed collections have emerged. Co-ed collections include both menswear and womenswear and can also feature gender-neutral, or unisex, clothing.
Ready-To-Wear
Ready-To-Wear, Off-The-Rack, or Prêt-à-porter (the French term) refers, as the name suggests, to clothing that is ready to wear as soon as it’s produced. This is because it’s made in standard sizes (e.g., XXS to XXL) based on a sewing pattern, allowing for larger quantities to be produced in a shorter time. However, there remains a strong focus on quality, aesthetics, and uniqueness. It can be described as a more practical and accessible form of couture. For this reason, Ready-To-Wear differs from mass-produced fast fashion companies.
Ready-To-Wear shows feature practical clothing suited for everyday wear, targeting a mainstream audience. It is high fashion with lower production costs, and therefore sold at a more affordable price in contrast to couture.
Couture
Couture is French for “sewing” or “dressmaking.” It refers to clothing that is custom-made, tailored, and refined down to the smallest detail. It is handcrafted and created based on the exact measurements of the person who will wear it. A couture garment is usually unique, existing in only one single piece. Creating this one piece requires countless hours of labour and can break the bank. For this reason, it is intended for a far smaller audience than Ready-To-Wear.
For the mainstream audience, couture can seem like an abstract or even ridiculous concept. Much of what is shown on the catwalk is impractical and unconventional, yet at the same time magnificent. It represents the highest level of craftsmanship. The clothing is not suitable for everyday wear, nor is that the point. Couture showcases the artist’s signature style, sources of inspiration, and philosophy in an exaggerated and artistic manner. It illustrates the designer’s creativity and pushes the boundaries of fashion.
Haute Couture
Haute couture takes extravagance to the next level. The French word haute means “high,” so the term can be understood as dressmaking of the highest standards and quality. Haute couture fashion houses must follow strict rules to earn this prestigious status.
Primarily, they are regulated by the French government through the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. This organisation organises Paris Fashion Week and decides which houses may call themselves Haute Couture. The term itself is protected under French law. The requirements include:
The fashion house’s atelier must be located in Paris.
Employ at least 15 full-time staff.
Produce at least 50 original designs per collection, including both day and evening looks.
Handcrafted using traditional couture techniques.
Offer customers made-to-order designs with multiple fittings.
Present collections twice a year at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.
Capsule Collection
A capsule collection is a compact range of versatile clothing pieces designed to mix and match effortlessly. These collections typically include 10–50 garments in neutral colours, centred around a selected colour palette and theme. They allow for creating numerous different outfits and can be either season-specific or timeless, incorporating elements from multiple seasons.
A capsule collection is a sustainable alternative to conventional collections because it consists of fewer, often high-quality pieces that work well in multiple contexts. For this reason, consumers have less need to buy more clothing.