The Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010 shows commenced this past Sunday the 24th in Paris with Josephus Thimister and will end on Wednesday the 27th with Valentino. The French term Haute Couture literally means "high sewing" and refers to custom-made clothing created using the highest quality fabrics and sewn with considerable attention to detail. The bespoke clothing often features very time-consuming embellishments done by hand.

The historically Parisian tradition of Haute Couture is a tradition that is highly guarded by the French. According to French law originating in 1945, to be considered a legitimate House of Haute Couture, designers must meet a number of criteria including designing made-to-order for private clients with one or more fittings, having an atelier (workshop) in Paris with a minimum of 15 full-time employees, and presenting a collection twice a year to the Paris press with at least 35 exits consisting of both daytime and evening looks.

To be accepted as a Haute Couture House and to be invited to present during the Haute Couture shows in Paris is regarded as the most exclusive accolade a clothier can receive in the world of fashion.

American expat Zeva Bellel's love affair with France began sometime during her childhood in Brooklyn, though she says the source of her obsession with the country "is anybody's guess." Her first visit to Paris at age sixteen inspired Zeva to study Art History and French in college and after graduating she moved to Paris for what was supposed to be a "five-month experiment." Ten years later, Zeva continues to reside in Paris -- now married to her French husband, Fabrice -- and has developed her passion for the City of Lights into a career of trend forecasting and scouting for "the city's great hidden talents." Her website, Paris by Appointment Only, is a Francophile's dream and features little-known Parisian artisans and experts of their craft, including jewelers, dressmakers, ceramicists and chefs.

Zeva Bellel

Last week Zeva wrote about Michel Heurtault, a couture umbrella and parasol maker who began his career designing costumes and corsets for theater productions and French fashion houses such as Christian Dior.

Michel Heurtault photographed in Paris at his couture umbrella shop, Parasolerie Heurtault

The bespoke umbrellas are handmade with luxe fabrics like silk and lace not typically used for umbrellas that Michel has waterproofed and UV-treated.

These gorgeous umbrellas exude Parisian chic and have definitely made me consider upgrading my black mini travel umbrella!

xxKP