The Art of Designing a Couture Collection
An Afternoon with Couturiers Magid Mehrabadi & Michele Bernard
True haute couture is incredibly hard to come by. Even high-end designers like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel or Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton rarely design pieces specifically to fit their client’s bodies. Which is fine if you’re lucky enough to meet the narrow specifications of a garment made for a 5’10” 115 pound woman. If you are like the majority of women, you’ve spent years wondering: What’s wrong with my body?
Husband and wife design team Magid Mehrabadi and Michele Bernard of Magid Bernard believe that your body is fine; rather something is wrong with the clothing. “No two bodies are alike. Every woman has something about her shape that is special. It might be a stunning collarbone or a svelte waistline. I don’t try to fit a woman into a mold; I let her unique physique inspire the design,” says Magid. Every measure-to-wear piece showcases their client’s attributes in the most flattering way possible. It’s amazing what happens when something fits perfectly. Women who believed they weren’t capable of wearing excess fabric suddenly find themselves swaying their ruffled hips in ways they never imagined. When something is custom designed, perceptions about what one can and cannot wear no longer hold true.
Perfection extends to every aspect of the Magid Bernard experience. Each completed garment is meticulously packaged and sent with a handwritten note from the designers. After a client’s celebrity event or special occasion, clients receive a personal phone call from Michele. “I’m often anxious to hear how my designs worked. While making a garment I usually know where my client will wear it and I live out the event in my head as I create. I dance at the party, shake hands with the President of the United States or walk down the red carpet in my mind. Sometimes I can’t sleep the night of my clients’ events because I’m anxious for them! I can’t rest until I know they feel as beautiful as I imagine they do.”
After spending an afternoon in the Magid Bernard atelier, one starts to understand the true magnificence of haute couture. Haute couture is about accepting your body, accentuating your finest aspects, and being confident with who you truly are. It is an unparalleled dressing experience, a luxury every woman should give herself at least once in her lifetime.
READ MORE: by shannon bindler, art & culture, style & beauty, haute couture, luxury designers, celebrity designers, Magid Bernard, couture design
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love this article. it helps women realize that you don't have to fit into a certain size to be able to wear amazing clothes! their stuff looks amazing. i will be checking out their clothes soon. thanks
I have worn MAGID BERNARD on several occasions. Their work is gorgeous. And there is NOTHING like something made to fit your body!
There are NO dresses that flow the way Magid Bernard designs do. Couture is alive and well!. Do not tell too many people.
Now I want to meet them and have them make a special dress for me! Where can I find their beautiful clothes?
I too have been lucky enough to wear....and own... some of Magid-Bernard's magical clothes. The magic of couture ....of beautifully made clothes ... of clothes that fit my body! What a treat! I own some double-faced cashmere jackets that are a joy to wear... easy to slip into....jackets that work as well with jeans and with their flowing charmeuse pants. Your article, Shannon, will help women realize that in clothes that fit their bodies, they can face a mirror with confidence and feel great
See above comment , please.
I have been wearing their clothes for years. Not only do they make "special occasion clothes", but I have suits made for the office and business travel. They are wonderful!
I have recently visited Magid Bernard's show room , and what a treat it was! The couture line offerings are magnificent, superbly made garments with beautiful fabrics. Made to fit clothes for all ages! I am the proud owner of several of their fabulous designs. KB
I have been to their showroom - Amazing talents!
The clothes show the passion they hold for their work. The designs are exquisite and their showroom is a must see!
I am a very petite person and must wear either couture clothes or have 'pret a porte' apparel altered. Because Magid Bernard designs are timeless, the investment pays off over the years. Their clothing doesn't make me feel 'trivial' the way most ready made petite clothes do. On the contrary, I feel stunning, fashionable, confident and comfortable... Who could ask for anything more?
I look and feel wonderful in everything that Michele and Magid have made for me from casual to evening wear. They fit and flatter a full-figured woman too. Thanks for the timeless, but always current couture.
I love my Majid Bernard pieces. Each season I add a few pieces to my collection and always have a beautiful, comfortable and exciting couture design to go to for any event. Every time I wear one of Majid and Michelle's designs at least one person remarks about its' beauty. Their fabrics and designs are unique. Most are packable and travel well. Thank you my friends.
I have worn Magid Bernard since the beginning. The fabrics are amazing and the designs are timeless. The attention to fit and concern with each customer's satisfaction is unusual and unsurpassed.
I have been a fan for years. Each collection surpasses the previous. When I review my closet annually, I have yet to discard a Magid Bernard garment. I cannot explain it, but their love for beautiful fabrics and form is infectious. Not to mention that I know I look the best I can possibly look in their line. They make sure of it. Great article and they deserve many accolades. Coco would have worn Magid Bernard. Perfection.