Couture, by definition, is something that is made specifically for a customer. Historically, couture pieces are made-to-measure for a customer from the wearer’s measurements, movements and body stance. The made-to-order clothes are literally made completely by hand. These days, real couture clothing is hard on the purse strings and only for the fiscal few.
However, there are some ready-to-wear houses that are providing customers with made-to-order services. Prada clients can now customize belts – python, suede, calfskin, patent or crocodile leather in numerous colors, silver or gold finishes and buckles and even semiprecious stones. You will need to be a patient person though, the wait is a minimum of two months and you have to be able to afford the trip to either Milan, Paris, London, Capri, Sardinia’s Porto Cervo and Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany. Hey, couture is not for the financially timid, but it’s worth it. After all, it lasts a lifetime.
