Back in January, Paris was once again the global hub of haute couture, providing the backdrop for the summer’s couture collections. It’s an art form out of reach for most budgets. But, at its best, it can carry powerful messages about artistic and economic freedom. At Julien Fournié and Alexandre Vauthier, it’s all about turning a dream into reality through the client and their couturier working together. Meanwhile, at Franco-Turkish fashion house Dice Kayek, founder Ece Ege explains how couture helps women in the industry stand on their own two feet.