Haute Couture: In a Sketch

The rise of ready-to-wear and mass production has caused haute couture to diminish in demand become more lucrative than ever before. Undoubtedly the most fascinating part of the industry is in the making of couture garments. Churning out ready-to-wear pieces in the face of fickle trends and passing seasons means that sometimes, clothes are simply clothes. There may only be a a handful of women in the world who possess the riches to own and wear haute couture, but each season is anticipated by fashion followers the world over. Couture co-exists in a commingling of fashion and art, or fashion as art, or art in fashion?

There is a technicality to the craftsmanship of couture that is almost mechanical, yet something deeply romantic about the detail - so many fine details. 

Fashion is spectacularly rich when it becomes synonymous with art and British Vogue has collaborated with the Fashion Illustration Gallery to archive a collection of illustrations inspired by designers. 

The illustrations, spanning from the 60s until now, depict some of the most stunning collections in a way that makes the fantasy of couture more tangible for those who can't see it in the flesh. 

I really love David Downton's 2008 Valentino print, and I want every single one of Tanya Ling's pieces to hang in my home forever. 

The full archive of fashion illustrations can be viewed and purchased here. 

(All images credited to Vogue UK and their original artists respectively)