Dressmaker vs Couturier: a craft vs an art

In the course of conversation on bridal fashion and the creation and design of bridal gowns, people often throw around the terms 'dressmaking' and 'couture.' But what is the real difference between the two? Simply put, dressmaking is the craft of - as the name implies, making dresses. As a trade unto its own, dressmaking involves a lot of practical and technical skill to be executed well.

The beginner dressmaker might learn the basic art of sewing, taking measurements, creating patterns and cutting fabric. Some are self taught, but other like myself, may have taken further qualifications. In my early days, I completed a three year fashion technology and design certificate. There is a dressmaker and then there is a successful, skilled dressmaker, the making of which depends a lot on the execution of the techniques and the calibre of the technical skills learnt.

Personally I also believe this comes with years of experience, being able to form fit fabric and design to different body shapes. The French word 'couture', is defined a the business of dressmaking and fashion design. It's usually associated with high end fashion.

Dressmaking and couture are two words that are often exchanged with each other - the difference between the two really comes down to the finer points of meaning and their implications in the world of fashion and design. I'd have to say that the two together are needed to make an experienced bridal seamstress. Dressmaking is the technical and practical side to the bridal gown - the absolute foundation for any dress. Couture brings a creativity to the solid dressmaking foundation. In my opinion, creativity is something that you were born with that can't be manufactured but most definitely enhances an experienced eye. That sort of creativity exists inside of you.

-Connie  xox