You know those ridiculously detailed garments that come swinging down the runway during the couture shows? Well, this month, Vogue is giving the masters behind this work the props they deserve with a in-depth article on what goes on behind the scenes of couture creations.

Head dressmaker Martine Houdet (and team) with an over-the-top Chanel couture creation.

The team for Christian Lacroix in the garden of the designer’s 18th-century couture house, with head dressmaker Martine Berger and head tailor Rosine Delaplace.

Perched on the balcony is Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci, and the lead ‘technicians’ for the label.

If you have an appreciation for this side of the fashion world, you can check out the full article in the latest issue, or read the short version (don’t you just love cliffs notes?) right here.