Midnight Vibe by Mario Abney

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Leather and Feather
Hand Beaded Lace
Imani Balcony New Orleans
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BIO

BEHIND THE SEAMS

Head designer and owner of Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier has brought to the United States the kind of luxury, elegance, and personal service that the world’s most privileged individuals have known and come to expect for many years. As told by Essence Magazine, "Clarke weds vision and skill to design the gown of your dreams, using the most precious fabrics and innovative classical designs to create unique concepts in Bridal and Special Occasion wear for his clientele". By doing things according to his timetable, Harold Clarke has managed to stay in a class by himself and does not follow a usual Seventh Avenue schedule.The Jamaican born native came to the United States in 1969, His objective was clear, he would one day become a household name in the high stakes fashion industry. He attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York. He later opened his first studio in SoHo specializing in mood pieces and was later discovered by a specialty store on West Broadway. There he designed special couture pieces and limited edition gowns in all fabrications. From SoHo Clarke moved his operation into the garment district, with a design studio at 147 West 40th street between, the famous, Seventh Avenue and Broadway. At this time he specialized in couture bridal and special occasion gowns. Later Harold Clarke added a showroom in the prestigious bridal building at 1375 Broadway, where his collections were sold to exclusive clients, specialty stores and boutiques across the United States and beyond.While working on a bridal party Harold Clarke was introduced to the city of New Orleans. There Clarke was seduced by the history, ambiance, culture and the entire essence that is, the City of New Orleans. The city has directly influenced his special occasion pieces. Clarke applies advanced technique and resources to create a collection that displays the New Orleans experience through fashion. His designs have been worn by celebrities from Patti Labelle to Vivica Fox, Delta Burke to Vanna White. His gowns have also been worn by socialites across the nation. He has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years and is an internationally known, award winning couture designer.
ABOUT

ABOUT

THE PHILISOPHY
THE EXPERIENCE
COUTURE SERVICES

THE PHILISOPHY

PHILISOPHY

The Harold Clarke brand is for the woman who has arrived and entered a world of sophistication. She is becoming more selective in her style choices and wears styles that reflect her individuality and represent her lifestyle. They look less at trend and more within themselves for wardrobe inspiration. Colors, fabrics, trim and fit that fulfill the individual needs of our clients shape and mold the collections. Our clients are socialites, brides, debutantes, royalty, philanthropists, politicians, and all trendsetters. We are here for the woman that is not afraid to take risks and have fun with fashion...Artists, professionals, mothers, activists all filled with life, passion, and style. We at Harold Clarke believe that fashion is a billboard of the soul. "My clients, my company and my designs display a driving force within my soul the pursuit of the American Dream".

THE EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE

Why is the high-fashion luxury of Couture only available to the Rich and Famous? Many of us have asked ourselves that question from time to time. The truth is, however, you dont have to be rich or famous. You simply have to be ready. Are you ready for the attention that comes with wearing a one-of-a-kind? If you are, let Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier in New Orleans arrange for you to experience the luxury of looking Fabulous for your next special event. At our studio and showroom, we custom design and make to measure. We create our designs with traditional couture craftsmanship from fashions finest materials. We also supply personalized service and a true commitment to our clients satisfaction.Clarke's staff will work closely with clients to compile their personal look, allowing them to make their best impression. Whether it's a wedding or other special occasion our staff will be able to supply them with the advisement and tools needed to achieve the appropriate look. Staying ahead of trends, paying attention to detail, compiling a look for a specific lifestyle or body type, our design team provides our clients with true service and pure style. If you are ready to experience Couture Fashion for your Wedding, Débute, Mardi Gras Ball or any Special Occasion we at Harold Clarke can handle any Fashion Request. The process changes with custom couture clients. For custom couture clients a consultation is always the first step. Typically our clients are already familiar with Clarke's work and wants something designed especially for them. When we design we usually custom make for the clients specific body type, preform a gown re-creation or restoration. After the initial consultation, a price-point is determined. Additional sketches are made, fabric and trim are selected, measurements are taken and the appointment for the first fitting is made. At the first fitting the client will fit a shell garment made of a muslin material. All adjustments of the design are made using the shell. This becomes the actual pattern for garment construction. During the subsequent fittings, the client actually fits a garment made of the selected fabrication. The design team then makes the necessary adjustments. Then trim is applied bringing the design together, on the client, working with her to insure her absolute satisfaction. Additional fittings may or may not be needed depending on the complexity of the design. The whole process could take 3 to 4 weeks or up to 6 months to complete for more intricate designs. We are located on the second floor of Rubensteins, on the corner of St. Charles and Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans. The showroom features the Clarkes signature gallery display of wearable art with the customary luxury, pageantry, and splendor of previous locations. In addition the space provides intimacy and privacy that our clients have come to expect when visiting our design studios. Complimentary valet parking is offered at our current location.

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COUTURE SERVICES

Custom Design - For over 35 years Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier's primary service has been custom designed and made to measure apparel. We create garment designs from daywear to bridal. At our showroom our focus is on our clients. We make to measure any garment they require to their specifications using a traditional couture process.Designer Consultations - If you need expert advice about your wardrobe for a particular occasion Mr. Clarke is available to discuss what would look best on you. He will sketch design suggestions, recommend flattering fabrics and colors. If you have pictures or questions he will provide the necessary feedback to assist you with your decision making process. Expert Alterations - Have you ever had an issue finding the right company to alter your couture? At Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier we have the experience and knowledge to fit and alter your fine garments to perfection. Bring in your garments for a quote from the designer.Custom Designed Jewelry - Did you know that our design team also designs jewelry using faux, precious and semi-precious stones? We can craft jewelry to coordinate with your wardrobe and or to your specifications.ReCouture - Due to popular demand we have launched ReCouture services in order to add a green touch to hauté couture. Many of our clients have closets full of previously worn gowns that they love and may want to wear again. What we do is reinterpret the garment by making a new design from the existing garment. From full length to cocktail, from full bottom to straight skirt, Harold Clarke can recreate and update your couture.Finishing Touches - Our production team is also available to steam and press your garments allowing you to put your best foot forward for your event. If so desired we are also available to dress our clients at our showroom or on location.Restoration - On occasion we have been asked to restore garments that are very valuable to our clients. Whether it is precious vintage couture or your grandmothers wedding gown we have the skills necessary to execute such sensitive projects. Bring in your garments for an evaluation today.Personal Styling - Our house stylist is available to assist you with your personal style and shopping. We can review your wardrobe, make recommendations based upon lifestyle, physical characteristics and trends. We also shop to complete your Harold Clarke look, to outfit you for special occasions or for everyday life.