"Couture" - what's it really mean?

This post was originally published back in October. But, I have so many more readers now and lots of newly-engaged brides are shopping. I thought it would be a good "repeat". -Tami

The word "couture" is quite the buzz word in today's bridal industry. Perhaps you've been told by a saleslady, "This one's special, it's 'couture'"; or you've come across the word while looking at gowns on-line. It must be good, even if we don't completely understand, right?

"Couture" is a French word which means " the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements"; up until the last few years, most of us Midwesterners would have said that something was "custom-made". If it had been custom-made of the finest fabrics, trims, and details available by your area's very best seamstress, it would have been, in fact, "couture".

Now, we are seeing almost every bridal line call their higher-end collections "couture". I'm sure you've noticed this, too. Instead of the original definition, "couture" means "high-end" or "more-expensive" in today's bridal market; at least to the end-consumer. I'm not sure manufacturers or bridal stores have done a great job explaining this to you, the bride.

All this to say, do we offer "couture" at September's Bride? You bet! See something you like in our sale room? Our talented seamstress and myself, with several years of re-making vintage gowns, will put our heads together and "couture" it for you! Did you know that Casablanca gowns can be customized for you, to your measurements and your preferences? And then, of course, we carry Lila Couture, which is truly couture in every since of the word, but still very affordable for us sensible Midwesterners!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal!