What Does Haute Couture Mean?

Haute couture is a term reserved for the highest echelon of artistic creation in the world of fashion. Translated, the term haute couture means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking." It implies custom, artistic, one of a kind garments that are designed and fitted for one specific individual. Haute couture clothing is typically made from the finest fabrics and trims, and is sewn and embellished in the most professional way possible, which usually means by hand, regardless of the time or expense necessary.

The term haute couture emerged in the late nineteenth century, in response to the work of fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth. Rather than being known as such, he was known as a couturier. During that time period, wealthy women would visit his shop, where they could examine sketches and custom designs that were modeled for them. From there, they could customize the look, by choosing their own fabrics and materials. The dresses would then be created and fitted to their size.

While all fashion design of this caliber is often called haute couture, France has actual standards by which fashion designers are allowed to use this term to refer to their work. In France, the term haute couture is protected by law. A commission meets each year, and determines which fashion houses meet the requirements needed to call their work haute couture. If designers do not meet the standards and make it onto the approved list, they may not refer to their own work as haute couture in any way.

In order to evaluate which designers meet the highest standards of fashion design, and are therefore creating haute couture, the commission looks at several elements. The fashion designer must have a workshop or fashion house that employs no fewer than fifteen full-time employees. They must create custom, made to order garments for their clients, which include fittings. Designers must also create a certain number of runway pieces per year, which include day and evening pieces, and must be shown in at least two runway shows per year.

Due to the rising cost of materials for use in haute couture, along with labor costs, some designers have chosen not to pursue the prestigious haute couture designation. Only a small number of designers are approved each year. Instead, many design houses create custom pieces for marketing purposes, to show their skill on the runway. Many of these pieces are never sold. Instead, they remain the property of the design house or enter special private collections.