Economic forecasts might be on the gloomy side right now but couture is booming. Despite eye-watering price tags - not that you'd be vulgar enough to ask about money - the sales of bespoke pieces are on the rise.
With her complex structured silhouettes and intricate approach to print placement and embellishment,
Mary Katrantzou's work is often described as 'demi-couture'. Once confined to the catwalk and photo shoots, her high design showpieces are increasingly commissioned to be worn by real women. We talk to her about the rise of demi-couture on the ready-to-wear runway, and why haute couture makes economic sense once again...