Couture Hidden Costs explores the fascinating economics behind haute couture, revealing why these exclusive garments command such high prices. Beyond the obvious costs of materials and labor, the book uncovers the hidden investments in brand prestige, skilled craftsmanship, and the carefully cultivated system of exclusivity that supports this unique industry. Did you know that haute couture's origins can be traced back to 19th-century Paris, designed for an exclusive clientele, and that today, only a select few houses recognized by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture can officially claim that title? The book argues that understanding the economics of couture provides broader insights into luxury markets and aspirational consumption.
The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, linking design with business strategy, cultural history, and economics, making it valuable for students, luxury brand managers, and anyone interested in exclusive industries. It begins by tracing the evolution of haute couture and then examines the economic mechanisms that sustain it, such as how couture houses use ready-to-wear lines and accessories to offset costs. The book culminates in an analysis of haute couture's future in a rapidly changing global economy, addressing ongoing debates about inclusivity and sustainability.
