Couture Garments
Extraordinary garments demand extraordinary care.
RAVE FabriCARE is Arizona's only Certified Couture Cleaner®. Our
skilled couture specialists excel in their understanding of
exquisite fabrics, unusual textures, and special trims and
embellishments. And in their knowledge of the art of design and the
craftsmanship of construction. From intricate beaded and sequined
gowns to one-of-a-kind handmade garments, from modern to vintage,
the delicate nature of these pieces dictates the utmost scrutiny,
respect, care and attention to detail.
Specifically, our couture specialists:
- Carefully inspect each garment as it arrives -- inside and out
-- paying particular attention to the fabric fibers, fabric
textures, fabric finishes, dyes, trim and embellishments, and
construction.
- Determine the best and most appropriate cleaning techniques,
processes and solutions. All stains receive immediate
attention.
- Fragile buttons, trim, embellishments and ornaments are removed
prior to cleaning, and reattached when finishing the piece.
- Minor repairs are performed before the actual cleaning process
begins, and again should it be necessary during the final
inspection process.
- Every garment is delicately hand finished. Both inside and out.
The old fashioned way. Using a hand iron. With an appreciation of
the nuances and subtleties of the couturier's sensibilities.
- Every garment is carefully and thoroughly inspected. From top
to bottom. From inside to outside.
- Every garment is individually and elegantly packaged to ensure
that they are protected during transportation and short-term
storage.
Nowhere are higher standards applied.
From Chanel and Michael Casey to Oscar de la Renta and Christian
Lacroix, you can trust RAVE FabriCARE with all your couture
garments.
Couture Dictionary
Today, the term "couture" is widely and, often, quite loosely
used (and even misused). Here's an overview of couture-related
terms.
Haute Couture
These are clothes that are hand-sewn to order by fashion houses
using the world's finest materials. These fashion houses must meet
the requirements of the French Couture Federation, the regulatory
group empowered by French law to bestow the official "haute
couture" title. Ten designers now have this designation, down from
40 in the 1960's.
To qualify for the designation "haute couture", fashion houses
must employ at least 20 people to create hand-stitched collections
of at least 25 looks twice a year and show them in Paris for at
least two years -- or simply be voted in. The clothes are produced
by using a client's measurements to create an outfit out of muslin,
and then using the muslin as a pattern for a garment made of fine
fabrics.
Made To Order
Designers who haven't sought the haute couture designation use
this term to describe their handmade clothes.
Semi-Couture
Some designers use this term to describe clothes that are
machine-sewn, but in limited quantities (as few as 8 or 10).
Sometimes these designers use fine materials like those used in
haute couture clothes. Their clothes often come with loose seams so
they can be disassembled and finished by a tailor. Some designers
refer to semi-couture as their "special order" service.
Ready to Wear
These are clothes that are mass produced and sold off the
rack.