VOIR COUTURE

Couture used to mean fashion available only to the wealthy, as there were no standard sizes until 1860. Ready to wear for men was introduced in 1770 in Paris. In 1824, La Belle Jardiniere was introduced, again in Paris, for women and children. Did you know that women at first resisted the idea of clothes mass produced by strangers, since they had no knowledge of their personal style and private body dimensions? Convenience finally won out.

Until the standard size patterns of 1860, there were two ways to cut clothes to size. One was by copying an existing garment, which usually meant taking that garment apart. Or a rough shape was cut out of muslin, basted on the wearer, and recut and reshaped until it fit. Then the muslin pattern was copied onto the garment's more expensive fabric.

These are often the methods I employ to create Judith garments.

Sizes 14 through 4X are no different from sizes 2 through 4, the diminutive (or short) sizes. Or the tall sizes. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to write about sizes without using descriptive words that discriminate against those who are not "average" size and still use descriptive words you can understand?

Ted Schenker of Total Image Plus in Plano says that beauty and sex appeal don't stop at size 12, and so his shop for sizes 14 through 26 includes not only dresses, suits and playclothes, but lingerie, lacy teddies, and evening wear. "Large women have the mind set that if they wear navy or black, they'll blend into the woodwork. That's just not true. If they wear what's in style, they won't be as conspicuous and will feel better about themselves. I like to buy clothes that look good, are flattering, and drape well because the time is here when large women want to look and dress like everyone else."

Speaking of style, I respect authority only when the authority has proven itself.

Fashions for spring were recently pictured in the Dallas Morning News' "Fashion Dallas" section. The designs reminded me of clothing I would recommend to a woman who is too thin, i.e., if you don't want to look emaciated, wear garments that are too tight, too short, etc. Are you aware that lawyers will request the "poor female" to wear clothes to the courtroom that are too big and in somber colors to assist in achieving the diminutive, little, non-threatening, and victim look.

Conserving spendable clothing income can be accomplished and you will still appear to be dressing for the 1990's. Avoid trends: shorts suits for the office; short skirts above the knee (I seldom see anyone--man, woman or child--who has attractive knees when standing).

Beading and sequins are still appropriate for after 5. These garments are not only too showy for other times but are expensive and difficult if not impossible to clean. Their original appearance may only be maintained for a few cleanings as they are usually glued on and most cleaning solutions are so efficient, they remove both the stains and the glue.

Boots are the "new" fashion statement, often coming over the knee to go along with a short skirt or a long top and tights. However, boots are made for walking and standing; they are often uncomfortable when sitting. Boots are great for cold weather or rain but not in warm buildings. Wouldn't you rather invest your dollars in shoes you will wear, rather than in boots your closet will enjoy 95% of the year? And, the boot you buy this year, unless it is western, will be out of style next year.

Last year, we were inundated with "softer silhouettes" -- shoulder pads were supposed to be out. We didn't buy it, literally or figuratively, and now I see that shoulder pads are back -- how clever of the designers!

My couture garments emphasize the importance of style, detailing, color, fabric and the person wearing it -- not the importance of the designer or of a current "in" style. I am in agreement with Ted Schenker when he says, "I want to break that psychological barrier and have women think, `I like myself the way I am.'"

Because Ted's philosophy is so compatible with mine, in addition to designing for my own clientele, I am also designing custom couture clothing for clients of Total Image Plus. My emphasis here will be on custom designs for wedding gowns, bridesmaids's dresses, and mother of the bride dresses, as well as custom suits and dresses. Although this service is by appointment only, please stop by Total Image Plus in Ruisseau Village and say hello to Ted and his staff.

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Voir Couture is the recognition and confirmation of each Judith, Couturiere client. You are confident and distinctive, value tradition, and demand quality and individuality. Voir celebrates your uniqueness!