As I took a friend's son shopping at a mall the other day, I was appalled by the shocking cloning process running amuck in the building. Each shirt looked just like every other shirt; each skirt just the same. Although his budget and expectations were low, I felt that I should give him a taste of true fashion - haute couture.

First, I began telling him about haute couture fashion. Haute couture is French for high fashion. Haute means high or elegant while couture means sewing.

What's behind the notion of Haute Couture?

Haute couture is now synonymous with the design and creation of upscale, one-of-a-kind garments. Haute couture houses must be registered with the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, and only 18 exclusive shops* belong. Collections are presented twice a year, and each show must have at least 35 outfits for both day and evening wear. Examples of these haute couture houses are Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, and Christian Dior.

Since outfits are made from scratch specifically for each customer, only haute couture can help you achieve the perfect fit. Your clothes will never be knockoffs from other stores, but originals just for you. The average tailored suit runs around $16,000 depending on the material.

A vendeuse, an important saleswoman*, in the house will be in charge of your entire purchasing experience from the appointment on. She receives a commission from her clients and is more than willing to help you with anything. Your vendeuse will be your contact in the house. (Note: sometimes a video of the house collection is made available to serious buyers to aid in their viewing and selection process).

Not only do you get an exclusive fit, but you get exclusive materials too. Because certain textures, colors and types of a cloth may be reserved for one house only.

At the same time, the houses use only the most luxurious furs, silks, cashmeres, and novelty fabrics. As they plan an outfit they use toils or sample garments, either canvas or calico that can be adjusted without expense, before creating your masterpiece in the best colors for you.

When wearing haute couture clothes, you are certain to carry yourself a bit differently. You will walk with your head held high, knowing that not only are you a unique person but also even your clothes represent only you.

What about Haute Couture and men?

Successful business people all over enjoy haute couture in their daily lives. Especially men. "Finally, it's the guy's turn to be fashionable!" said Gregory Scott Reid, well-known speaker and three-time #1 best-selling author.

California native, Reid created this unique design when he realized that Men's fashion was primarily left unchanged. Each day he typically wore his shirt/tie/suit combination to the office and for special occasions. However, he questioned why he was spending exorbitant amounts of money on wonderful ties that he couldn't show off.

That is where the inspiration began. Reid teamed up with Haute Couture Fashion Designer, Kimberly Mac. Together they were able to take Reid's idea of cutting 'slits' into one of his dress shirts, and "weave" a tie through it, enabling people to not only show off more of the tie, but also creating an original look that was long overdue in men's fashion.

"Why hasn't this been done before?" asked Reid.

Original, first ever, never available before, Reid's shirts feature double pearl button cuffs and superior quality fabric in Jarkarta White, Skyline Blue and Midnight Black. This woven collar shirt, as seen in GQ, Ebony, FHM, SkyMall, Washington Post, 944, Skope and across the globe, comes to you from Mui Fina at MuiFina.com.

Welcome to a special group of people who dare to create a movement. And a special 'Hats Off' to those in men's fashion, where change has been virtually nonexistent for decades. More information on haute couture can be found at http://Amazon.com and at http://www.presssuccess.com/muifina .

* Sources: "What is Haute Couture? Uncovering the business of high fashion" by David Johnson. "Haute Couture Fashion History" By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com.

About the Author :

By Diana Barnum is a correspondent for Savvy Style News at: http://savvystylenews.com
She can be reached at: (614) 529-9459 or mailto: diana@ohiohelp.net

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