Monday, February 21, 2011

The Right to Expression... Handmade Crafts

We shall have the Right to Handmade Crafts,
 those things made by human hand.

This right supports artisans around the world
who earn a living through centuries-old traditional crafts.


Murano Glass Vase
Lace-makers, glassblowers, embroiderers,
hat milliners, weavers, fabric dyers,
shoemakers, and so on.

French Alencon Lace (18th c.)  is the 5th most-valued lace in the world.

Parisian Paradox is a group that strives to
protect the haute couture artisans,
such as Jean-Francois Lesage, the last Parisian embroiderer.

Louboutin's Marie Antoinette shoe
hand-embroidered by the House of Lesage.



Embroidery done by hand.


48 comments:

Anonymous said...

it is an entirely human and primitive art, just using ones hands. takes real skill too.
JB

michelle said...

first off, let me just say how Wondrous those Louboutin's are.

i think couture is a beautiful thing. everyone should hve the right to it, because its an art; you're making art with your hands. its a craft and a gift. and i support this right as long as they keep creating Louboutin's just like the ones above <3

Fernanda A said...

Definitely agree! Couture is imperative for the fashion industry. It has become very popular and who wouldn't want hand made clothes? I believe it takes skills to master such a wonderful thing. People have talents, and they should definitely express it through hand made art.

Anonymous said...

I believe couture is an art and anyone that has this talent and wants to share it should. It is also away for many people to keep their traditions and to support their families.
Marcia P

Anonymous said...

Couture....is actually now considered something rare because people don't take the time to REALLY make things anymore. I recall going to a shop and seeing "made by hand" and thinking, how unique it is due to that fact. That's sad. Everyone should have the right to create their own things. It is an art that should be fostered because it teaches us not only a trade, but about ourselves and our culture.

GIL RO

Anonymous said...

As we advance headfast into the technological age it is becoming apparent that computers will be called upon to perform the tasks of humans in the past. Whether it be more cost effective or less political, robots and computers are bound to continue to make task easier for business owners and private collectors.

Computer programs will be given the task to replicate these incredible hand-embroidered lace and will do so with speed and effeciency. Though technology will aid in almost anything it will take the value and hand craftsman ship away from the artisans and intot he hand of the computer engineers and programmers.

GP

Ingrid J. said...

I was fortunate to grow up in a time and in a home where couture was encouraged, whether it was basket weaving or embroidery. It was also a part of my school curriculum and it's quite a shame to see that it has become so rare, but that's what is happening as we advance. How sad to read and how final it sounds. "The last Parisian Embroiderer."

Anonymous said...

Artisans that are glassblowers, embroiders, lace makers are are extremely talented. There is nothing more elegant and history inspired in fashion than a piece of clothing lined with lace. I grew up with lace table clothes, lace clothes, and doilies in the home. My grandmother could sew lace patterns that were awesome and very time consuming to make. My regrets are that I never learned that from her. It is very rare to find someone who can do this.

Ann Marie

Anonymous said...

We should all have the right to couture. Similarly to the right to art, dance, and tattoos as apparel choice, all are a form of expression of one’s creativity. Different cultures are also incorporated by means of couture. Our diversity is shown whether it is through a Murano Glass Vase or a French Alencon Lace. -v.p.

Anonymous said...

The right to couture is absolutely magnificent. Now a day, technology has taken over but one cannot compare a design that a computer created or a stitching, in which a machine put together, to the work of art. To couture, you are using your hands to create the most beautiful things in the world. No one should be deprived of these rights. The right to create something so beautiful to the human eye, with the hands that God gave us. This is definitely an incredible right and a gift that not everyone has been blessed with.
MelB

Janet Almonte said...

Due to our advancement in technology the appreciation of artisan work has decreased. This has lead to the more recent generations to discontinue their heritage skills and pursue more advanced careers due to hard economic times. The role of the skill worker has been neglected and is beginning to become lost as we watch the remaining elderly who still value their heritage treasures and struggle to maintain it active. The right to couture can lead us to the importance of the right to maintain our traditions alive.

Janet

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with the right to couture. This right allows cultures to survive through the years and of course produce beautiful pieces of art that most of the time are priceless.

cd884 said...

I agree to couture since I like to knit and invents neat things by arts and craft. Couture is always more expensive but it is worth it since each stich is made by hand. Couture pieces are the most beautiful and unique since it is made one time and not reproduced. Couture should be practiced and done!

shiv said...

Couture is the invention made by hand. Why should we deny what others have made, especially if it is magnificent? Couture helps people express themselves by means of art. Looking at the pictures above makes me wonder how people can make such beautiful things. Couture is needed in this world and should be protected by all means. Couture is a sense of culture and diversity that we live among. Without it, this world would not have seen what people can really do.

Luz Mery said...

I definetly agree with the Right to Couture. It is amazing all the beautiful creations that are done by hand. It is a blessing for those who have that art. We should support the right so people can continue to view all the beautiful art made so we can have more of those Marie Antoniette shoes.

Unknown said...

The right to Couture is like the right to free art. There is something so beautiful about embroidery and stitching by hand. It is all an art and a unique one at that. For example look at this video of Thomas Long creating a signature piece of his glass blowing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcupSHLsucE

-Nicole Chaplin-

Anonymous said...

There’s nothing more beautiful that handmade objects; all the thought and hard work that has to be put into creating one thing is fascinating. Machinery can never have that human creativity or delicacy that human hands can.
-D. Diaz

Luisa Isla said...

Creating something by hand is more valuable and will be treasured then a machine produced item. My grandfather used to make suits that were fitted to his clients body shape. But now the art of human made traditions is becoming evanescent. We will have to relay on machines to cut and shape our clothing or furniture. As my grandfather stored away his scissors and pins so might the crafts of these century old traditions be forgotten.

Esmeralda A said...

I totally agree with the right to couture. Couture is art,man made things. Creativities can't get any better than this. EA

Anonymous said...

People should have the Right to Couture because they should have the right to wear items that are as unique as they are, which handmade items are. Uniform items have their purpose, but people should have the right to express themselves through (and appreciate) the creative talents of artisans.
Gabe

Miglaude said...

I like haute couture because it informs you about the latest style and let you watch good looking fashion models wearing beautiful apparels and accessories. The fashion accessories are becoming more common part of fashion show and people like to observe their new collection.

Pedro Leon said...

I support all these individuals that are couture artist and make a living doing that line of work. Men or women that create couture are talented and even though the industry of couture is diminutive in size it is evident still to the world. P.L

Unknown said...

I agree with the concept behind couture. I also agree with the "Right to Couture", because it promotes the thought of small business. All of the designs don't grab my eye personally, but that is my right to a different taste. In conclusion, this topic supports the creative.

kevin0121 said...

Without man made things, we would be in a different world right now. Creating buildings, clothes,tools,etc is essential in our survival to live. Without it, we would be living in the jungle with no tools to defend our selves. Our only protection would be to run or fight, and thats not really practical.

Anonymous said...

I agree everyone should have the right to couture. This practice has lead to the advancement of creativity and allowed people the ability to express themselves through art. In my opinion having the "Right to Couture" is just as important as having the freedom of speech. I prefer unique handmade items and believe that beauty is within the eye of the beholder. E.S.

Anonymous said...

this right is to be acknowledged and kept. couture is what is needed in this bland world that we live in.

f.c.

Espy said...

Couture is an amazing thing. My girlfriend usually goes to a woman who makes dresses for her. I don't really care about what I'm wearing, but having the ability to create something from scratch is an art form. It's the way my girlfriend expresses herself. She comes up with an idea, takes it the woman she knows and they come up with beautiful dresses.

Anonymous said...

Any expression of art will always be welcome from
my part. I believe the right of Couture will make
our world a better place to lived on.

Ismael DelValle

Anonymous said...

so many things in our every daily life usage have depended on the gift and talent of the artisans that if we didn't have the right to couture, we would not have the clothes on our back, the shoes on our feet, and all the various amount of things we use to express ourselves (i.e. home decor, personal style in fashion.) -- KB

Anonymous said...

An example can be that of ‘Lady Gaga.’ Who's taken couture to extreme ends, but couture is not just 'fashion.' For some it’s a form of living, art, expression and traditions. – D.T

Anonymous said...

Couture is beautiful. Looking at these works of art makes us wonder how a human can create such beautiful things. We now live in a world full of technology. These machines do everything for us. The right to couture really is a right that we should keep around.

Anonymous said...

I remembered when I was little it was normal to go to the tailor to get my clothes for a special event or for my mom to go to work. My grandma use to make some of my clothes and use to knit my sweaters. Go to "La Feria Hippie" (something like Hippie Fair, all handmade earrings, clothes etc.) on Sundays it was wonderful. It is a shame that we are loosing hand made couture because big factories and computers are taking over. Laura R.

Lisa said...

Haute Couture is certainly "hot". It is beautiful and unique. I support those who continue the craft but as the website says, prices are so high. Who can afford it? Not me. I'm off to "Targé". lp

Anonymous said...

I would definitely wear those louboutin pumps. This art requires so much skill and even though a lot of couture is super funky, its timeless.

-surfershoes

Patricia Delgado said...

I really admire this style of designs, I think is very unique to create such a things like those pictures.

Anonymous said...

I agree one hundred percent. Gary Norris

Rosa F. said...

I think clothes/accessories/anything that is made by hand is worth so much more than anything made in a factory. This right should definitely get exercised more often. --Rosa F.

Anonymous said...

The time and detail that these artists put into their craft is simply amazing. This is another art form that people should be able to showoff and for the rest of us to enjoy.

Eddie M.

RV said...

I think if someone is skilled in the art of couture they should have the right to share it.

Anonymous said...

Couture is very beautiful and it is a great talent for one to posses. Everyone and anyone should have the right to this art.
Gaby R.

Unknown said...

Couture persists in providing us with a paragon of the most beautiful clothing that can be envisioned and made in any time. Everyone should have this right.

RhWim said...

God bless the people that have the creativity to design things with their hands. Definitely, people with this art should have the right to practice such an skill of art.

Jenny said...

I believe that the right to couture is important to keep our traditions alive. It is a beautiful way to create art with your hands.

JR

Anonymous said...

I think the right to couture is special due to the fact that hand made items can express ideas, culture, and even stories not really shared through major manufacturers.

Anonymous said...

I think the right to coture is important because it belongs to our history as human beings.
Claudia B.

TrustMeImADoctor said...

These designs are magnificent, the fact that they were hand made makes them unique and even more irresistible. Although machines and long factory assembly lines make most of our mass produced products, nothing can beat a sweater knitted by grandma, or a glass blown vase made by someone with talent.

Anonymous said...

I think that the people who have the ability to create beautiful things with their hands should be allowed to share it. However, today’s couture items are more than a man made creation, they are a luxury. GS

Unknown said...

The right to Couture is being creative. I will never agree with everyones choice of fashion, and thats why they have that right.