How Paris' Fall '14 Couture Week Affects Our Wardrobe

As we prepare for the debut of CAbi’s Fall 2014 collection, we have our eyes on all of the latest runway shows including Paris’ Couture Week. They've wrapped up almost seven days of spectacular haute couture, so it's our turn to let you in on some of our favorite looks from the week, and share a few fashion facts, including how couture wear affects our everyday fashion.

Although many people may consider couture to be irrelevant because of its extravagant and sometimes avant-garde designs, here are three reasons why you should care what designers sent down Paris’ most exclusive runways.

Couture Trends Trickle Down to Ready-to-Wear Fashion

Fashion works on a cycle that involves a type of design hierarchy. Since couture is considered the highest level of fashion, designers of this category have the first say when it comes to what trends will be seen on the runway. Their design concepts then influence the upcoming ready-to-wear collections, thus affecting what you, your fashion icons, bloggers, stylish friends, and everyone will be wearing next season. A perfect example:

Chanel’s Spring 2014 Couture Show featured sneakers worn with every one of their looks, sparking a huge trend, and making athletic footwear a part of all of our wardrobes.

Athletic Footwer Worn During Chanel's Spring '14 Couture Show

One of a Kind Red Carpet Gowns

Since couture pieces are one of a kind, they are some of the most desired items to have. Expect to see your favorite Hollywood celebrities styled in garments from Couture Week’s top designers. Red carpet looks from award season and high profile events always affect the designs made by contemporary designers, which will be worn by those of us looking to get our own dosage of celeb glam.

Lupita Nyong'o in Giambattista Valli Spring '14 Couture

A Piece of Art History

Here are a few little known facts…Couture is more than just fashion, it is considered to be an art form and is officially monitored by the Paris Chamber of Commerce. To even be given the title of a Couture Designer, you must belong to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture organization. Official couture housrs are: Adeline Andre, Chanel, Christian Dior, Maurizio Galante, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Christophe Josse, Gustavo Lins, Stephane Rolland, and Franck Sorbier. All others who show during Couture Week are considered guest members with granted permission to show, not official members.

Karl Lagerfield During Chanel's Fall '14 Couture Show

View some of our favorite looks from Couture Week below, and see if you can guess what trends will affect our Fall 2014 style. Be on the lookout for sixties glam, statment making fur, nude illusion, bold colors, and electric prints.

The Fashionably Nina team can’t wait to show you what CAbi has in store for next season.