Haute Couture - Unwearable, Over-priced and ridiculous?

As every season passes in the fashion world, the Haute Couture shows become more and more extravagant. So extravagant in fact, it is starting to make many people question whether or not the garments are becoming just that little bit too over the top. What is the point in creating something that no-one, other than Lady Gaga or Bjork, are going to even consider entertaining, let alone wearing??

Take this piece from Givenchy's catwalk for 2009. They appear to be more pieces of art than fashion, which arguably is the definition 

of 'Haute Couture' (High sewing).

However, I still feel the frustration of those of you saying "so why is it called a fashion show, if all it shows are unwearable pieces of art?' I mean who really wants to walk, lets say, down Oxford street with their face smothered in a gold encrusted ensemble? or wear this Jean Paul Gaultier 'Hail Mary' meets 'Miss Havisham' styled head-dress? The answer is, quite simply, no-one.

 So what is the idea behind these big fashion house creations??

Ever wondered where the dress or shirt you are wearing right now took influence from? Probably not, but would it surprise you if I told you it was taken from styles like these two eccentric images above. Believe it or not, these outlandish shows are the inspiration to designers and brands all around the world.

The smallest details of the fabrics, styles, cut and embellishment are noted and then handed onto a team within the company. This team filters the unwearable state of the garments into new designs using the ideas seen on the catwalks. This dress by French Connection UK has followed the idea of gold embellishment upon black fabrics. The extravagant touch has been added to this dress with the studding, yet the dress is easily wearable, unlike those on the Haute Couture catwalks.

Therefore, it is important to recognise that although the starting point of fashion, at Haute Couture level, is perhaps unwearable and over-exaggerated, it is infact the beginning of the inspiration for millions and millions of garments all around the world. Even that top or jacket you have on now once started out life on the high flying catwalks that are 'Haute Couture'.