To Couture Converts, “off the rack” is a phrase that makes the skin crawl. Imagine running into a clone of yourself (or at least, your dress) at some important function. Or wearing an outfit that almost fits perfectly. The truth is that most of us aren’t built to the perfect and ideal proportions of the standard sizes so we make do with poorly fitted, “not quite right” clothing. And frankly, we often haven’t a clue about what makes us look great. As surely as spas and personal trainers have found their niche with the health conscious but time-limited business set, so has the personally designed wardrobe moved from an indulgence of the fabulously wealthy to a valuable investment for women on the move.
“Haute Couture,” loosely translated as High Fashion, has taken off in North America over the course of the last 30 years. As names like Lagerfeld, Versace, Klein and Sung have become familiar through their ready-to-wear lines, their haute couture shows have taken on the energy and romance of glamorous society events. Invitations are sought after by the international glitterati and being “seen” at these galas may even become an important career move.
But it’s not just smoke and mirrors – and expensive labels. A couturier watches your garment every step of the way. It becomes a “second skin,” an expression of your true self. Just as Michaelangelo used to “liberate” the creation trapped inside the stone, so the great couturiers release the inner beauty and personalities of their clients.
“Many people today have terrible self images. And many people aren’t happy with their figures,” observes Hasmig Possian, International Couturier and a founding member of the Couture Association of Toronto. “I see my work, in part, is to help each person express themselves more beautifully and fully. Clients tell me it was literally a life changing experience when they wore their specially designed garment. That’s why, once they have tried couture, they never want to go back!”
Each garment is rigorously planned, fitted and finished with the finest and most skilled work. Often things must be done by hand or they simply will not look “right.” Fabrics are hand-beaded, hems hand-rolled. The seams are so fine that they can be almost invisible.
“It’s the attention to detail,” says Hasmig. “We use the best fabrics shipped from all over the world. We create a design to suit the person and their occasion. We prepare a pattern to their specific measurements and produce a cotton ‘mock up’ of the dress to work out the major fitting challenges. The final garment fits perfectly and has elegant touches that the experienced eye recognizes as the finest quality.”
As with most couturiers, Hasmig designs for all occasions. While much of her work is for the client for whom money is not an object, she enjoys introducing individuals to custom made garments and works with each client within their budget. Today, many people would rather invest their clothing dollars in a few excellent outfits that make them look fabulous, rather than on everyday, off-the-rack clothing. Hasmig helps them to choose wisely.
Hasmig’s designs are not just clothing but wearable art. She studied for years with an International Couturier. She approaches her creations with the same artistry, discipline and passion as do great sculptors and painters. Her scope includes evening, cocktail, and bridal wear; business wardrobes; leisure wear and a new line of Kids’ Couture. “Not everything I do is ‘Haute Couture,'” she emphasizes. “But everything I do has our commitment to the highest quality work. I won’t machine-stitch a hem to save a few dollars. I am creating more than just a garment, I am creating a work of art.”
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