A Dream Crafter. Behind Chinese Haute Couture.
The word Haute Couture comes from the French. Haute means high-end, Couture refers to sewing, embroidery and other crafts.
In 1858, French fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth opened the world’s first haute couture store in Paris, setting a very specific image and standard for it and the story of Haute Couture began.
Haute Contour studios design made-to-order clothes for private clients, with more than one fitting.From Gucci to Alexander McQueen, embroidery to opulent gold frocks, Chinese Haute Couture is comprised of avant-garde garments that are steeped in Chinese symbolism and expertly illuminate traditional handicraft techniques.
Today, as the industry’s never stops to surprise us with billion digitals about sales and its international growth, fashion becomes more and more commercial. Haute Couture, is the perfect imagination and throw-back for the golden times, when clothes were made to be arts and shape ones behaviour.
From design to production, the process of ritual sensation, the unique and intimate experience of the noble, Haute Couture is undoubtedly the ultimate dream of every single woman. As the fashion world keeps growing impetuously, the spirit of Haute Couture becomes even more precious.
In our Toronto, there is an haute couture workshop that inherits this mysterious craft. Shanghai Liyang Custom Tailoring Studio is a privately ordered workshop, mainly engaged in high-end private tailored suits, shirts, Tang suits, cheongsams, dresses, and the sale of some accessories (ties, silk scarves and fabrics).
Song’s commitment to honouring and revitalizing forgotten Chinese craft practices is reflected in the intricate embroidery of her work, as well as in her label and atelier, Shanghai Liyang Custom Tailoring Studio.
Today, with the common interest of arts and fashion, StreetChic was lucky enough to be invited to have a sit-down interview with Ms. Song.
Song’s definition of fashion in the interview explained the reason why the high-end handicraft workshop lasted for a long time in the history. Fashion is the art of excellence, not just the goods that are quickly consumed.
Song herself grew up during the Cultural Revolution, when only drab, shapeless Mao suits were acceptable attire. A revival of fashion and art was needed for a long long time.
Song ’s come to symbolize a new China—and the way non-Europeans and non-Americans are finally becoming forces in international fashion.
To be sure, Song’s designs have drawn on Chinese culture in blazers, suits or Qi Pao, not just in the embroidery and fabrics, but in their motifs. Looking at her design, the fabric and cutting are obviously premium and high-end.
The color is as beautiful as the sunset, and the texture is soft as the moonlight.
She uses premium fabrics for her design, such as silk and wool. These fabrics not only look much more superior on body, but also produced with nature ingredients which allow them to be so comfortable against the body and to remain an extremely long lasting quality.
Song has the eyes of observation to spot customers’ needs and likings within a few moments of casual chatting. She also has the hands of artists to work with these delicate fabrics and quickly turn them into pieces and pieces of art.
Song believes, with good fabric and design, clothing can also become a treasure to hand over to the next generations.
Shanghai Liyang Custom Tailoring Studio can easily find the connection between Haute Couture and each customer, noble or elegant, delicate or bold, all by you. You can find this tailoring studio at Pacific Mall where thousands of people enjoy the unique shopping experience.
Walking through our new downtown, I can feel the essence of my city captured through the street art made by local artists. The shops and restaurants run by local residents are bigger now and almost make me feel like I’m in a smaller version of downtown Toronto. The City of Markham is growing into a city that will provide great opportunities and entertainment to its residents and it welcomes newcomers. It’s astonishing to witness my city grow into a bigger community attracting the attention of others all across Ontario. I remember growing up here before there was a downtown. Its so amazing to be able to watch my city flourish and expand into a successful place that welcomes all kinds of people, just as it has for myself and my family. I look forward to seeing the ongoing progress in the coming years. This new urban center, no matter how much it changes, will continue to be the heart of our community, and I am so proud to be a part of representing this growing metropolis to the rest of the world.
Calgary is full of amazing paths throughout the city. Riverwalk is one of the most popular pathways. During the day, it is a little piece of heaven for lovers of the outdoors. It’s a great place to longboard. Gliding across bridges, inhaling fresh air, hearing the flow of the water under you, and seeing smiling faces as you drift by. Not only does this pathway decrease the amount of cars on the road, but it gives a calm and safe getaway from a busy life.
All fifty seven delegates were given qaccess to Snappy Towels and told to pose and shoot selfies at the beach. 
My first look is something you can wear to a casual event/ outing or you can dress it up with heels like I did or even a bit of jewelry like bracelets or a longer necklace since the front is quite plain and you’re good to go to a nice dinner.
My second outfit is ‘country inspired’ and is something I find myself wearing quite often. This is a look I could wear for a day out, to the Calgary stampede or another local outing like many country-themed restaurants and bars we have in town. I chose a light coloured jeans and top because not only does it get less hot, the subtle notes make your boots pop. Regardless you could just as easily throw on some dark blue jeans and the outfit would still work.
My third look is street wear that is comfortable for an exercise work-out and nice enough that you could wear outside and do your daily deeds. I went with white sweat pants because I feel like they are a great statement piece considering how often you actually see white sweatpants. I went with the white tank top to blend in under to make the black jersey standout more. Then I used the red bandana and lipstick to give the look a pop of color and as a standout piece. Also I swear by Converse running shoes, they are my absolute favorite sneakers because you can where them with anything at any time!
