New ‘affordable couture’ platform Couturissimo launches

A new fashion platform, Couturissimo that aims to extend the reach of global designers by providing a bridge between couture and ready-to-wear has launched during Paris Couture Week.

London-based Couturissimo was founded by three key figures from the Asian Couture Federation: Frank Cintamani, Emily Hwang and Cindy Zhang, who are founder, vice president and board director, respectively, with the intention of inviting “exceptional couture designers” to create limited-edition ready-to-wear capsule collections with “accessible price points”.

Couturissimo launched with a Paris event that showcased its first designs by guest designers, Indonesia’s Sebastian Gunawan, who was recognised by the Asian Couture Federations as the ‘Best Couture House in Indonesia’, and Dubai-based Filipino couturier Michael Cinco, who has dressed celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Dita Von Teese and Sofia Vergara.

The stunning @WinnieHarlow opened the #COUTURiSSIMO runway show on the first day of Paris Couture Week! Preorder the exclusive runway looks now: www.COUTURiSSIMO.com

A photo posted by COUTURíSSIMO™ (@couturissimo) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

Both designers presented their traditional couture collections followed by their see-now-buy-now Couturissimo pieces, including a two-piece, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit that is available to buy for 144 pounds, and a selection of elegant floor-length gowns for under 400 pounds, by Sebastian Gunawan.

While Chino showcased feminine embroidered and lace pieces, with prices ranging from 165 pounds for a tailored black lace and embroidered knee-length gown to 316 pounds for his black Chantilly lace and sequinned floor-length gown. His collection is currently on pre-order, with stock expected towards the end of July/early August.

Couturissimo is expected to announce its next couture designers at an event in London in September.

Fashion must make you dream and no one does it better when it comes to phenomenal than @COUTURiSSIMO collaborative designer @Michael5inco The exclusive #COUTURiSSIMO x #MichaelCinco couture inspired collection will be available for pre-orders