The Collections

The spring/summer and autumn/winter collections were the culmination of the couture house's activities. The showing followed fixed laws of precedence, beginning with day wear and ending with evening gowns.

The most popular designs were referred to as 'Fords' meaning that many were made, and were functional. The couture house might make dozens of versions of a successful model.

Certain other designs were called 'Trafalgars' (name after the famous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, meaning the spectacular or show-stopping designs). These were intended to draw attention to the new line and often made the covers or main pages of the magazines. 'It is these models that determine the fashion of today, and also that of tomorrow', wrote Dior.