Making couture wearable?

The title seems a contradiction in itself. Why can’t you wear couture? However, Ilja Visser just started a collaboration with Azzurro Due, a high end fashion concept store in the P.C. Hooftstraat in Amsterdam. For this  she and Anette made a number of pieces of the ILJA Hyperborea collection more wearable. Why and what it really means? Check out here

THW: Why would there be couture that is not wearable?

A: Of course there are couture pieces that you can wear… Don’t you worry ;-) However, when you make a (haute) couture collection, the goal is to realise a vision or concept of the designer. The sizes, choice of fabric and use of colours is not defined by daily life of men and women. It’s defined by the concept or vision of Ilja in this case.

THW: So tell me what pieces are made in a different fabric or colour?

A: The white trousers that are selected for Azzurro Due are made of white Mikado silk. This looks great on the doll during the exhibition but is not suited for daily life for instance.

Same interesting design but different fabric & colour

THW: Why?

A: If you would wear it to a diner date and would get up from your seat after dessert, your trousers would be all wrinkled in the front part. Not very charming…. So, we use a different fabric which is a mix between beautiful cotton and stretch in a black colour. But the cut and form are similar.

THW: Is there a piece you need to change in design then?

A: Well yes, the blouse with the long veil on the side in blue is changed in colour and design. The long veil is shortened otherwise it wouldn’t be practical or – should I say – wearable. And we have the same fabric but in a black colour.

The original couture piece (l) and the wearable version for Azzuro Due, both to die for...

THW: Are there pieces that aren’t changed at all?

A: Yes, the blue shorts of Mikado silk. The top that goes along is only alter slightly. Again, the veil on the side is shortened.

THW: What piece takes most of your time?

A: The blue top…. Definitely. The top is made of different types of patterns, not one is the same. It’s a real puzzle to cut the pieces and put them together in the right order. And therefore, I need to use a lot of fabric as I can only cut everything once. But I love the top and the challenge…

Anette working on the top - a challenging & beautiful puzzle

THW: How many pieces will there be available at Azzurro Due?

A: The top and shorts, one pair of long trousers and a blouse. And one long dress… which is surprisingly different by the way.

THW: How so?

A: Well the long dress is changed in type of fabric and made in one colour only. While the original design has a colour set according to the Hyperborea concept. I was skeptical when the silver fabric came in, but it will look amazing… That’s why you have designers with a vision ;-)

THW: And you make it happen… Can’t wait to see! So now I can have my own wearable couture piece by ILJA?

A: Yes, run to the Azzurro Due store. They’re all waiting for you there as of March 18!

The shorts and slightly altered top are in store now!