Couture Relevance - Fashion Story

by Steven Carver

HAUTE COUTURE IS SAID TO BE A DYING ART. COMPARED TO TODAY’S FAST FASHION, SOME CONSIDER IT TO BE OLD FASHIONED AND OUTDATED (WHO CAN WEAR THAT MANY GOWNS IN A SEASON?). FEWER AND FEWER CUSTOMERS PURCHASE THE EXORBITANTLY-PRICED CLOTHING – WHICH CAN EASILY REACH SIX FIGURES – AND IT ONLY TURNS A PROFIT FOR A SMALL NUMBER OF COUTURE HOUSES. SO, WHY SPEND SO MUCH FOR SO LITTLE IN RETURN?

To start, a couture runway show or presentation is an audiovisual marketing tool that can be used for both present and prospective clients, especially if they’re a celebrity. An image of an actress wearing a gown on a red carpet (i.e. at an awards ceremony) will be photographed and broadcast around the world; priceless promotion.

Also, considering the crises the world is currently facing, a little fantasy goes a long way. Touching the fabrics and appreciating the workmanship up close can feel like an extravagant experience. Truth be told, there are a select group of individuals who still want – and sometimes, need – beautiful clothing to wear on a regular basis.

With over 30 years of experience in the world of high end fashion, Galia Lahav is aleading designer specializing in lavish formalwear for celebrities and powerful women around the world; an haute couture composer, one gown at a time.

Born in Russia into a family of seamstresses, Lahav has had a strong passion for sewing and designing from a young age. Developing an aesthetic from her years teaching art, her move into the world of design was carefully thought out. It was in 1985 that Lahav launched her business of custom-made ivory lace appliqués; the impetus that developed into her eponymous fashion house.

Headquartered in Israel, Tel Aviv, everything is done in-house. From the designing, cutting, sewing and beading; dresses are handmade by top seamstresses using traditional techniques. An average 120 hours of work goes into each dress and approximately 1,000 embroidery designs and 10,000 threads go into creating one final look – the craftsmanship is evident.

Along with her collaborator, Sharon Sever, Lahav’s designs are intricate; using illusion backs, cascading silk tulle skirts and Italian ivory lace. There’s a frequent play of color, texture, and finishes. Inspirations for collections have included Grecian goddesses and sexy sirens, with silhouettes ranging from silky and solemn to sheer and sultry. A household name in bridal (and sold in over 40 global stockists), women all over the world are drawn to the brand for its emphasis on special occasion dressing.

The experience of slipping on a custom-made gown – seeing how it elegantly drapes on the body, the light capturing the beading, lace concealing and revealing, the chiffon fluttering in the breeze – can leave someone speechless. Recognizing the sparkle in the eye of the wearer is to know that haute couture remains relevant today.

www.galialahav.com @galialahav