Couture Fashion Law

This book provides an insight into the legal workings of the most ostentatious fashion sector, Couture, whilst simultaneously advocating for stronger legal protection in this industry.

Offering an interdisciplinary approach, including art theory from Tolstoy and Rand amongst others, the book examines where Couture fashion sits within the law. Most significantly the book considers the couturier as an ?artist? and Couture as ?art? in relation to how this art form may be protected legally by copyright. Reflecting on contemporary issues, it analyses recent legal cases together with legislation, to provide awareness on the current position, and considers implications for the future by suggesting legal frameworks in pursuit of improvements. Using U.K. law as a case study, the book also comparatively assesses global fashion law, analysing the legal workings in the E.U. and the U.S.

The book will be of interest to researchers in the field of fashion law, copyright law, art, and intellectual property.

Tomruk engages the reader in a narrative that is contextually rich, guiding the audience through a journey, signposted by the lived experiences of Couturiers that have shaped global culture. As a Practising Couturier, I find her investigation as captivating, questioning the copyright laws which underpin the definition of artistic work, in consideration of couture.  The analysis compels a progressive unsettling, questioning the challenges of a closed list to a craft which at the highest level, produces artefacts. These visual timestamps mark the evolution of fashion history. The collective contribution of the design process, crafts people, and hand production give birth to a living breathing organism, a Couture garment. When married with innovation, it is a critique, reflection and response to society and a vision into the future.

Joshua Masih, Senior Lecturer, UAL, London College of Fashion