Haute Couture: Fashion's Exclusive Club

In the fashion industry today, many terms are overused. One in particular is the word “couture”, or “haute couture”. Translated to English, “haute couture” means high dressmaking, with haute being French for high, and “couture” being French for dressmaking. Worldwide, this style of fashion only has around 4,000 clients, due to its exclusivity, and high prices.  In the industry, this is one of the highest levels of fashion, and is difficult to attain. In order to be considered ““couture”,” companies have to apply to the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, which is essentially the governing body of “couture”. While this seems simple, applications are invite only, and undergo a strict vetting process.


So how can a company be considered “couture”? Well, in order to be awarded the status by the Ministry of Industry, there are strict rules. The first rule of “haute couture” is a company must create made-to-order garments. In each of these collections, a company must present at least 50 original designs, that include both day and evening wear. In an atelier (a fashion house’s workshop) there must be 15 full-time staff, and 20 full-time technical workers. For these collections, shows occur in January and July. With these shows, the Fédération also invites guest designers to participate, and those who are invited four times in a row are eligible for membership status.

 

Brands under the “haute couture” tag are some of the most successful in fashion. The established companies include Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, Fendi, Balmain, Celine, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent Isabel Marant and Givenchy, just to name a few. There are also a plethora of companies that are less well known to the general public, and a full list can be found here. 


Chanel's Spring 2022 Couture Show


For me, “couture” is what made me fall in love with fashion. What I love about this style is that designers are able to utilize all of their creativity, and create garments that push the boundary of fashion, and are truly beautiful. I also love that there are so few of the pieces made. It makes the pieces seem more like works of art opposed to mass-produced basic items. This past January, “couture” fashion week did not disappoint. While the knowns had great shows, one of my favorites was a company that is new to me. Alexandre Vauthier presented a lovely collection of beautiful pieces, from gowns to power suits, AV was a sight to behold this year. What stood out to me was their dresses. Whether it be poofy ruffles, or form fitting gowns, they really blew me away this year.


Alexandre Vauthier Spring Couture Look 27

Alexandre Vauthier Spring Couture Look 14


Alexandre Vauthier Spring Couture Look 24


So overall, “haute couture” is this little nook of the fashion world that is rich in exclusivity and beauty. This exclusive club of fashion houses create some of the most beautiful and interesting garments each year, and push fashion forward, reaching new heights each year.

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