A New Current in Ready-to-Wear—“Couture Techniques”!

The theme for Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2013 collection was “Grunge Couture.” Ready-to-wear designers are increasingly competing with couture techniques, design, and quality. More brands are seeking to appeal through craftsmanship and quality, marking an end to the era of mass production and mass consumption. Couture is the keyword here.

Checks, stripes, floral appliqué, embroidery, lace. These are familiar fabrics, yet when patterns are layered with a sense of transparency achieved through silk organza, an entirely new expression emerges. The blouses billow gently with the breeze, while the bottoms fit snugly, accentuating the body's curves. The balance of texture and volume was superb.





Chloé presented a series of light, airy dresses, layering sheer materials. From pink-beige to coral, white to blue-navy. Simple individual pieces were layered to create bi-color combinations. Sharp cuts were softened by the addition of ribbons and ruffles.