You know what really grinds my gears? More than, like, anything else in fashion? The misappropriation of the word “couture.” Something isn’t “couture” just because it’s expensive or weird looking. You don’t call something “couture” just so you can try and charge more for it. Couture is a real word with a specific definition. Couture is a one-off piece that is hand-made for a client or show, not mass-produced. Couture is not sold on a mass-market website.
I would think that a brand like Versace would understand the distinction. Apparently not, though, because the Versace Couture Clutch has no indication of ACTUALLY being couture to me. It’s just a woven metallic envelope clutch that reminds me a lot of Bottega Veneta. And since Versace is known to charge upwards of $2000 for completely non-spectacular, non-couture clutches, I can’t imagine that they’d charge less (but still an exorbitant amount for what you get) for something that was actually handmade in small quantities. So I’m befuddled here. Has the word lost all of its fabulous meaning? Or am I missing the reason that this actually fits the category? Buy through eLuxury for $1305.
I think you’re dead on with your definition Amanda!
Although Versace is probably thinking that anything they make is Couture since they’re a licensed Couture House. But Couture is meant to be handmade, and individual.
I dare someone to put two of these side by side and find a difference between them.
I couldn’t agree more. The word couture is so overused. It even bothered me when I was in high school in the late 80’s. I was a costume design major at a magnet school and I was so into fashion. It is called ready to wear and there is nothing wrong with it.
That being said, this clutch is cute but Versace lost its appeal when Gianni died.
I totally agree with what’s been said here. Overusing the word causes it to lose its meaning. I used to love Versace, but I’m getting turned off now with its overpriced, boring designs.
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Yeah, I think the clutch is cute, but not so well designed that I’d pay $2000 for it!
as a clutch, quite cute, but i definitely think i could get something for at least 1/5 of the price at say, marc jacobs or something
Amanda, I agree with everything you said about couture but you are taking things too literally. It’s become cool to throw in the word “couture” while naming things. It’s like naming your dog “Couture.” Does anyone really think Juicy Couture is in fact couture?
ITA that the word ‘couture’ is often misappropriated, but could it be that this bag was shown in their Couture show; rather than in their R-T-W show?
I think they’re referring to the couture that means fashion, calling it the fashion clutch and the couture you’re referring to is Haute Couture which resembles high fashion one-of-a-kind pieces?
perhaps?
Language evolves and words shift meaning over time as their relevance in people’s lives shift. Aspirin, for instance, started out as a name brand; not a general term. Whether we like it or not (and I don’t), to most people in our society today “couture” generally means “an expensive brand”. I’m not saying it’s right; I just think that’s how it is.
Personally, I blame Juicy.
The Versace bag is cute but as others have said; nothing special.
Wow, that’s a fancy . . . envelope.
LOL, I like it , Its an envolope.. its alright
An envelope I’d rather go to Bottega Veneta for. Irregardless, I think it is cute.
Amanda, you could not be more wrong about the use of your word couture for the Couture line of bags that Versace makes. In all actuality these are couture, they are all handmade on Via Gesu Milano Italy, they are limited worldwide with how many are made, but there are no more than 500 worldwide in certain styles…….next time check before spec…and by that I mean know the product before making a assumption……….