What is haute couture and who wears it?

Haute Couture refers to the best of the best in fashion. The term haute couture means “high sewing”, “high dressmaking” or “high fashion” in French (“haute” meaning “high” and “couture” meaning “sewing / dressmaking”) and describes a creation that is exclusive and custom-fitted. Usually, it takes between 200 and 400 hours to make a single haute couture garment. These are made in specialized studios in Paris and may not be constructed somewhere else.

A haute couture garment is constructed by hand from start to finish and is usually made to showcase the best the fashion world can offer: the best fabrics, the most sophisticated sewing, and creative design. Haute couture pieces are often made for a particular client, even though there are very few people who actually buy haute couture. There are only about 200 people in the world who buy and wear haute couture, most of which are American. Despite these statistics, the identities of most haute couture clients are unknown. Those who are known are in general people who have what one would call “new money”.

 

 

How did it all start?

The industry of haute couture as we know it today was started by the Englishman Charles Frederick Worth, who designed high-end dresses in mid-nineteenth century Paris, even though there had been some high-end designers in the past too, such as Rose Bertin who designed dresses for Queen Marie Antoinette. He is credited to be the inventor of modern fashion, as he created the bases of everything fashion is has been and is today: models, labels on clothes (especially labels that carry social value) and celebrity promotion as well as the ways in which fashion is marketed.

 

 

Labels and value

Today, haute couture is a small, but extremely influential world. In fact, it is the best representation of the world of luxury. Even the term “haute couture” is protected by law. Despite many brands and designers calling their clothing “haute couture”, that is actually not allowed, as the term may not be used as one desires. Only companies that meet certain standards and that are part of the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry, may call their designs haute couture. In the union, there are about 18 permanent members and occasional guests, and there is also a special category for jewelry and accessories. The most known haute couture labels are Christian Dior, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy and Maison Martin Margiela for clothing and Boucheron, Chanel Joaillerie, Chaumet, Dior Joaillerie, Van Cleef & Arpels and others in the jewelry and accessories category.

Even though haute couture clothing costs a lot – a dress can go up to $100 000, the industry is at a loss, with more spending than income. However, the haute couture brands use the attention and exposure they get from the fabulous clothing, shows and photographs they release to sell lower level luxuries, such as prêt-à-porter clothes, perfumes and cosmetics.

 

We are definitely big fans of haute couture. It is always great to see the best a field can create. It is very important to always push the high boundaries of art, culture and beauty, as this can help move society and even the world at large forward.

 

Discover more pictures below:

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. What do you make of haute couture? Which label or designer is your favorite? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!