# Constructed Couture Haute DIY fashion provides consumers with cost-effective ways to stay relevant. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 20, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructed-couture ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Constructed Couture trend? **Constructed Couture:** While haute couture labels are constantly influencing designs on the runway and in stores, purchasing contemporary clothing can often be too pricey for the average consumer. DIY apparel that replicates expensive designer looks provide cost-effective ways to stay fashionably relevant, combining homemade techniques with the need to feel culturally included. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 9, 2012 to Nov 23, 2013 - Published: Feb 20, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Constructed Couture trend ### DIY Fashion Haute DIY fashion provides cost-effective ways to stay fashionably relevant by replicating expensive designer looks. ### Upcycling There is a growing trend towards upcycling and recreating clothing by adding embellishments and combining multiple materials for a unique look. ### Sheer Accents Adding sheer material to clothing, particularly sleeves, is a current way to elevate the look of an ordinary t-shirt and add some individuality. ## What the Constructed Couture trend means for industry ### For Fashion The fashion industry can capitalize on these trends by incorporating lower cost, DIY elements into their lines and exploring more sustainable methods of production. ### For Crafting and DIY As DIY fashion continues to gain popularity, there is a growing market for crafting supplies and tools, tutorials, and online communities centered around creative re-imagining of apparel. ### For Sustainability These DIY fashion trends are part of a larger movement towards sustainable fashion, which presents an opportunity for companies to develop eco-friendly products and embrace upcycling as a design approach. ## Trend signals for Constructed Couture Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 82%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 82% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Constructed Couture trend 6 featured examples from Dec 9, 2012 to Nov 23, 2013. - [DIY Designer-Inspired Skirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-pair-and-a-spare-lace-skirt): Ladies Wearing the 'a pair and a spare' Lace Skirt Will be Envied (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation by providing DIY tutorials and resources for creating designer-inspired garments. - [Runway-Inspired DIY Outerwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-crystal): The DIY Crystal Belted Coat is Couture for a Fraction of the Price (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion retailers can capitalize on the demand for affordable luxury by offering budget-friendly alternatives to high-end designer products. - [DIY Zippered Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trash-to-couture-tee): The Trash to Couture Tee Stylishly Recycles Your Apparel With a Little Edge (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunities to create sustainable fashion lines that cater to consumers' desire for unique and eco-friendly clothing. - [Multiple Material Blazers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rock-mosaic-diy-leather-jacket): This 'Rock Mosaic' DIY Leather Jacket Infuses Two Fabrics Together (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity to create innovative and customizable fashion pieces by experimenting with different materials and styles. - [DIY Ruffled Skirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-pair-and-a-spare-diy-bottom): This ‘a pair and a spare’ DIY Bottom is Inspired by Top Fashion Des (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by tapping into the growing demand for DIY fashion and promoting creativity among consumers. - [DIY Sheer Sleeve Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sheer-sleeve-shirts): This Activity Turns an Ordinary Tee into a Chic Summer Ensemble (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Designers can create DIY-inspired collections that allow customers to customize their clothing. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sensory Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensory-packaging) (Art & Design) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Fruit-Inspired Cleaning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vilada-punch) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Textural Furniture Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-designs-blu-dot) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)