How a Dior Dress is Made | Visionaire | Refinery29

“Couture” is a magic word. It conjures thoughts of impeccable craftsmanship, visionary design, and legendary fashion moments. But, most of us don't encounter haute couture very often, unless we're looking at a celebrity on the red carpet, a model on a catwalk, or a mannequin in a museum case.

We wanted to get closer to couture — and to get you closer to couture — so we partnered with the legendary fashion publisher Visionaire to create this video, which tells the story of one dress from birth to runway. It’s a unique look inside the Dior atelier, where the team has been hard at work bringing creative director Raf Simons’ ideas to life. While an individual couture garment can take half a year to produce, here you will see the story of one dress (“Look #53,” in fashion-speak) come together in just a few minutes — from the first muslin pattern to the final style model Kinga Rajzak wore during yesterday’s haute couture show.

It’s an incredible revelation, and when you discover what goes into these garments, the crazy prices on couture start to seem at least a little less crazy. While Look #53 is the star of the show, the video gives us the chance to reconnect with the rarely credited artisans and seamstresses we saw in Dior and I, as well as a cameo from Simons himself. Think of this as a mini-trip to Paris or a crash course into fashion’s highest form; either way, enjoy your couture, concentrated.

[theblackdaria_]

I have so much respect for all designers and the seamstresses in the ateliers... the process for making one couture dress is just captivating.

[londontolosangeles]

Wow, I never appreciated just how much effort goes into these dresses until now. They're works of art.

[marisabel]

Omg now I understand what they mean by QUALITY. I hope the people making this art actually get really well payed. I'm in love with these skirts and dresses. Omg. :)

[K.Monster]

Too many people working hard and only one gets the credit.

[Kamilla]

It's those artisans in the ateliers who interpret the designers' dreams who totally rock!!  They make those dresses worth every single cent.  Long may they reign!!!  Seamstresses are badass!

[maebebae]

no wonder why they're so damn expensive

[simpleDIYs]

This was not only well shot but incredibly interesting. Love videos like this!

[tasy]

I'm so impressed. How can they walk down stairs in heels.... without looking down? Can't even make it down a stair with sneakers without tripping if I dont keep my eyes on the ground xD

[marika_rose]

This is really fascinating to watch. "...the crazy prices on couture start to seem at least a little less crazy." -- exactly what I was thinking!

I just have to say that I love the variety of content you guys are publishing. Very refreshing and original.

[BeautifulDreamerK]

I watched this docu last week. It makes you appreciate and respect what they do. People make thunk Dior is another "overpriced" designer couture line but it's a lot of time, heart, blood, sweat, and tears. You appreciate the thinking and hard work that goes behind lycées that are so beautiful.

[applesmith]

When you're serious about your work you do to all the lengths to make sure every single detail is polished

[gabrielle]

I like how this Dior collection stays simple, It is truely beautiful :)

[nailahiakinyemi-sankofa]

Dior as a brand is amazing. The fact Dior is one of the few haute couture houses that actually has couple of Black apparel techs working in their atelier makes them even more impressive!

[CatFoxx]

Wow! That is truly impressive. Fashion is more than style, it's an art.

[ausafrikbabe]

How much I love the craftsmanship and attention to detail! This is divine! 😍

[mayswildman]

This was AWESOME! Fashion is so crazy, it's 100 percent attention to every single aspect of the visual.

[justjacqueline]

The skill required to produce just ONE dress is beyond belief.These artisans are truly irreplaceable .Would love to see more behind the scenes like this.

[rarekeelijo]

The music to this gave me a creepy feeling the whole time

[simplyshama]

this was fab and really well filmed. the clothing was exquisite!

[marazulization]

After watching these videos I came to understand the price of haute couture, they are a work of art! 💐