Everyone has heard the term “Haute Couture” a million times in their lifetime, but how many did actually know what it refers to? There are many people who use the term “Haute Couture” improperly, which is why we want to set it straight today with this article. Here are some things you probably didn’t know about Haute Couture, but don’t worry, you will find them out in a few moments!
- According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Haute Couture is: “noun ˌōt-ku̇-ˈtu̇r, the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women; also : the fashions created”.
- The term “haute couture” is French. Haute means “high” or “elegant.” Couture literally means “sewing” .
- The term was used for the first time in 1908.
- Not anyone can be an Haute Couture designer, or sell their clothes as such. To be a haute couture house, a business must be part of the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry.
- In this union, there are about 18 members. Some of the most renowned are Chanel, Christian Dior, Maison Martin Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier and Givenchy.
- To make an Haute Couture dress it takes from 100 to 400 hours.
- An Haute Couture suit can cost up to $60,000, while a dress can go up to $100,000.
- Couture clothes are made out of highly expensive fabrics such as expensive silks, fine wools, cashmeres, cottons, linens, leather, suede, other skins or furs.
- Sometimes a certain fabric is reserved for just one fashion house.
- There are only 2000 women who buy couture today, 60% of which are American. There are only 200 people who are regular customers.
- However, we can often see Couture clothes worn by famous people. They don’t buy them, but get these clothes as a loan, so they advertise for the house’s mainstream products such as perfume.
- Because Haute Couture fashion is done only for people who order these clothes and because the market is so small and expensive, the industry runs at a loss. But it’s all about selling the dream and getting a huge media attention.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. What do you think of couture clothes? Share your opinions in the comments below!
27 replies on “What is Haute Couture: 12 Facts”
Wow, I am embarrassed to say, I didn’t know the real definition.
We’re happy to have bee able to enlighten you:P!
Best wishes!
Such interesting facts, thanks for sharing!
We’re glad you enjoyed it, you’re so welcome!
Gracias por las aclaraciones y el dato. Saludos desde http://www.jualferx.blogspot.com
Thanks, Saludos to you too!
So Interesting 🙂 Love this blog!!
Thank you, that’s awesome!
Love the post! Want to follow eachother?
http://www.nightchayde.blogspot.com
Great post!
I hope that one day I will be able to afford to wear Haute Couture
But it’s very unlikely
http://wotshernameagain.blogspot.co.uk/
Well, we wish you to wear Haute Couture! Best wishes,
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Love this post! I didn’t know a lot about Haute Couture until now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
http://www.thepersiantrendsetter.blogspot.com
Wow, thanks for the appreciation!
I now know more about haute couture than before. thanks for posting this…
It’s great to help! Best wishes!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
I would adore to only wear such a gown. I’d also love to own one, pass it on as a legacy.
Alexandra
http://theshoependant.com
That’s awesome, maybe one day you will get to wear one! Keep in touch!
Wow, didn’t know the real definition. Thanks for the info. Xx
http://www.whitegurumx.wordpress.com
It’s cool that we could shed some light:P!
I did actually know these facts but I could not have out them as eloquently as you have here! Thank you for informing us 🙂
♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh, thank you, we’re happy to receive you’re appreciation!
Interesting read. To make a Haute Couture dress it can take up to 400 hours, and can cost up to $100,000.00 Thanks for sharing these facts.
You’re welcome, we’re glad you enjoyed it!
i am doing a dissertation on haute couture and was just wondering if you knew which are the main cities couture clothing is sold in or is it just Paris where it is sold?
Hello! While Paris is the center of haute couture, clothes from this category can be also purchased in other cities, such as Milan or New York City.
Not a lot of people buy Haute Couture anymore. I know for a fact that there is only 1 woman in all of Canada who still buys Haute Couture
Dear Zuriel,
Thank you very much for the comment! Indeed, there are fewer people who buy Haute Couture, around 150 in the whole world are regular clients, but HC has always been a select club. It’s great to hear though that there is someone in Canada buying Haute Couture!