Beauty is an indulgence we should not give up, and it is always worth paying for. This is inspired from an article I read in Country Life magazine amidst the economic recession that has hit the UK pretty hard and has affected most everyone. Recession is affecting the whole of the western economic world, and Canada is no exception.
Enviably Britain has a long history of old-fashioned craftsmanship connected with extreme high quality in areas of architecture, furniture, clothing ie. Savile Row, Art, etc., etc., etc. Things created with expertise and care which last and can be appreciated regardless of current economics are all around to lighten the settling gloom.Canada as a young shoot of a country, historically speaking, is still developing its roots in these areas.
Canada really has little, in comparison with the UK, Europe and Mexico for that matter, in the way of beautiful classic architecture (that has not been demolished); few famous inventions - even though we have very notable inventions; and no one would consider Canada a center of great traditional art with splendid galleries. Everything it seems must be brand new or it isn't worthy of attention or given enough value. Canada repeatedly seeks to reinvents itself.
Fashion is also an industry that is not typically associated with Canada, and in particular high fashion. We are known for rugged and extreme sports wear, but its 'trendy' fashion - well...is not really of high appeal or exceptionally inspiring. I'm not saying that we don't have extremely good fashion or high quality fashion - but we are not known for it.
Canada is a country of Best-Kept-Secrets, and we don't especially spend a lot of effort exposing those secrets. Or so it seems. What we are associated with is 'landscape' and quite an abundance of it, which is our treasure and our problem at the same time. Canada's population of 34 million is mostly spread out along the Canada/US border - and the balance spread very thinly over vast expanses northwards, so 'trends' do not spread quickly and are not hugely relevant to the various regions.
Canada was populated (after the natives) by a mix of undereducated and extremely educated immigrants from England, Scotland, France and the rest of Europe bringing their valuable skills with them. And we still do have highly skilled craftsmen quietly going about their business living in relative obscurity - and they wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe.
Maybe, we should shout about our talents and skills a little louder and celebrate our artisans and achievements more affirmatively and share specialized knowledge more actively. That is what this blog intends to do in regard to Couture and haute couture in Canada. Haute Couture in Canada? Are you serious? Yes we know using the term "haute couture" is firmly restricted for use in France like "Champagne" is to the champagne region. But, champagne my friends is sparkling wine. No matter what you call it - a rose, is a rose, is a rose.
And so, let's share the very best of couture in Canada. True couture - not to be confused with the watered down over-used one-upmanship version of the word. Information about the profession and the art will be shared and if you have some best kept secrets about Canadian couture and couturiers that should be touted, please let me know. This will hopefully be a journey through a country new to blowing its own horn... so lets do it. J
