Fashion is a dynamic and constantly evolving industry that encompasses a wide range of products and services. From haute couture to streetwear, there are countless categories and subcategories within the fashion business, each with its own unique style, target audience, and set of practices. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the main categories of the fashion business and what makes them distinct.
Haute Couture Haute couture is the highest echelon of the fashion world and is often considered synonymous with luxury fashion. Haute couture collections are custom-made for individual clients and are typically created in limited quantities. The term “haute couture” is protected by French law and can only be used by fashion houses that are members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
Haute couture collections are renowned for their intricate designs, high-quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. They are often showcased on the runway during Paris Fashion Week and are intended to serve as a source of inspiration for other fashion designers and fashion lovers.
Ready-to-Wear Ready-to-wear, also known as prêt-à-porter, is a category of fashion that encompasses a wide range of clothing and accessories that are designed and produced in mass quantities. Unlike haute couture, ready-to-wear collections are intended for everyday wear and are sold in retail stores or online.
Ready-to-wear collections are typically created by fashion designers who work for large fashion brands or by independent designers who operate their own businesses. They are often shown on the runway during fashion weeks around the world, but unlike haute couture collections, they are not intended to be worn by individual clients. Instead, they are intended for a wider audience and are intended to be purchased and worn as is.
Streetwear Streetwear is a category of fashion that originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States. It is characterized by its casual, comfortable, and often oversized clothing and accessories, as well as its bold graphics, logos, and branding. Streetwear is often associated with the hip-hop and skateboarding cultures, and it has a strong following among young people and urban subcultures.
Streetwear brands are often independent and are typically started by young entrepreneurs who have a passion for fashion and a desire to create something unique and different. Many streetwear brands are also involved in collaborations with other brands, artists, and musicians, which helps to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience.
Luxury Fashion Luxury fashion is a category of fashion that is characterized by its high-quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and premium pricing. Luxury fashion is often associated with haute couture, but it can also encompass a wide range of other fashion categories, such as ready-to-wear, accessories, and leather goods.
Luxury fashion brands are often owned by large multinational corporations and are often marketed to a high-end consumer demographic. Luxury fashion is often seen as a symbol of wealth and status, and it is often associated with exclusivity and elitism.
Sustainable Fashion Sustainable fashion is a category of fashion that is characterized by its environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. Sustainable fashion is often made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester, and it is produced in ways that minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion is often seen as a response to the negative environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry, which is characterized by its focus on low-cost production and rapid turnaround times.