Letters From Readers.(Letter to the editor)

IN STITCHES

Because I am a fashion historian, I follow VOGUE avidly to study contemporary trends in women's clothing and was elated to read about the workrooms of the haute couture houses in operation today ["Handmade's Tale," by Hamish Bowles, photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, October]. So often, the technical side of garment production is overlooked. Bowles's piece provided wonderful insight into the way ideas become reality in this upper stratosphere of clothing design. The article proved that the high prices charged in couture are not necessarily capricious but are based on the skilled labor and attention to detail that have defined this art form since Charles Frederick Worth's pioneering work in the midnineteenth century. Thanks for reminding us that without their talented and dedicated staffs, all couturiers and designers would be fini.

Ned Lazaro

Florence, MA

I hardly believe my eyes; the couture spread in your October issue is fantasy come to life. I have missed Irving Penn's couture photographs over the past few years, but after seeing Patrick Demarchelier's, I am sure Mr. Penn would agree that he is a worthy successor.

Hugo Pineda

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK