I was excited when I heard that there were going to be new designers doing haute couture. While the old houses are stuck in a rut, I don't think these new comers are any better, only that their problem is that there is very little to separate their haute couture from ready to wear. There are some fresh elements in this, but I would like to see these new designers embracing the concept of haute couture AND creating something new. Maybe they could even start a little bit boringly, but focus on creating something that is definetily hc, and then develop their style. Right now I don't think many of these designers understand what haute couture is supposed to be ... many of these collections include outfits which could be made replicas by H&M or Target. I don't think that is something "real" (by my own definition, of course) haute couture is.
But I am optimistic and waiting eagerly for the next season.