Over the last few years, most mainstream fashion -- in London, Paris, New York or wherever -- has tended toward a softer, more casual look, and taking inspiration from various genres like streetwear has become the norm.

Now, across the board, fashion has moved toward a much more understated look -- especially so given the current state of the world. But while the vast majority of people who are into designer wear closely follow what is happening on the runways, or take their cues from fashion magazines, there is another side to the coin: haute couture.

The translation of this French term is "high needlework," and in its pure form this often incredibly expensive genre of style still conforms to many of its original parameters -- each garment is made to measure for the client, each piece is original, and the couturier maintains a Paris salon. A true couturier belongs to an exclusive grouping of the world's top couturieres as a member of the Paris-based Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.