Question 1

What is haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Haute couture is the name of custom-designed clothing that select fashion houses produce. To qualify as haute couture, a maker must receive certification from the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris. Each year, this chamber of commerce publishes a list of the current haute couture maisons. Shop a selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is the difference between couture and haute couture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between couture and haute couture comes down to the regulations and laws of France. A couture fashion label is any label that produces made-to-order pieces for clients. To be accurately identified as haute couture, a couture maison must secure certification from the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris. Each year, this organization publishes a list of current haute couture fashion houses. Explore a large selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do you identify haute couture?

Accepted Answer

To identify haute couture, start by locating the brand label on your item. Once you know who produced it, you can check the official list of haute couture fashion houses published on the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode website to see if the maker is on the list. By law, only maisons that meet certain standards established by the Paris Chamber of Commerce can be considered haute couture. Find a wide variety of apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Is Versace haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Versace is haute couture. The Italian fashion house is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which firms can operate with haute couture status.

More than any designer before him, Gianni Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry "is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way."

On 1stDibs, find vintage Versace clothing and accessories.

Question 5

What qualifies as haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Haute couture is described as high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish and is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. ​​You can shop a variety of top fashion houses' haute couture designs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a haute couture dress?

Accepted Answer

A haute couture dress is dress is a dress that was made by an esteemed haute couture designer. Dresses created by haute couture houses are constructed by hand from start to finish. They’re made of the finest materials and are individually tailored to meet the needs of a specific client.

Haute couture garments are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are examples of universally revered haute couture houses.

Find haute couture dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Is Dior haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dior is haute couture.The French luxury fashion house Christian Dior is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which maisons can operate with haute couture status.When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Dior apparel and accessories.

Question 8

Is Balmain haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Balmain is haute couture. The term haute couture refers to high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish. The world of haute couture is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France.

Fashion designer Pierre Balmain established his now-iconic label in 1945. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim.

From the dresses favored by Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich to the sleek, skinny jeans seen on Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and every Kardashian, clothes from the House of Balmain have long been mainstays in celebrity wardrobes. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Is Mugler haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Whether Mugler is haute couture may vary from year to year. This is due to the fact that the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode updates its list of haute couture fashion houses annually. Generally, the French luxury fashion house founded by Thierry Mugler has regularly appeared on the list of official haute couture fashion houses. Explore a variety of Mugler apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Is Louis Vuitton haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Louis Vuitton is haute couture. The iconic French luxury brand is a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body of haute couture as an art form.

Founded in 1868 as the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and renamed FHCM in 2017, the organization has around 100 members — and Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), sits on its executive committee. "Haute couture" is a legal term that, literally translated, means "high sewing" and refers to innovative, hand-crafted garments created for private clients and presented to the public every January and July.

Find vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What does haute couture mean in fashion?

Accepted Answer

In fashion, “haute couture” means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking." Haute couture is French and refers to the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces by an esteemed fashion designer or house for a particular client.

Haute couture garments such as dresses are pieces of clothing constructed by hand from start to finish and are made with the highest quality materials. They are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are some of fashion's universally revered haute couture houses.

Question 12

Who is Worth, the father of haute couture?

Accepted Answer

Worth, the father of haute couture, is Charles Frederick Worth. In 1858, he established the House of Worth in Paris and began creating custom-made dresses for celebrities like Sarah Bernhardt and Jenny Lind and elites of fashion. By the 1870s, he was widely known throughout Europe, and many now consider him the first truly successful fashion designer. Explore a wide variety of apparel on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if something is haute couture?

Accepted Answer

To tell if something is haute couture, first look for a size tag. Haute couture is custom-made for the purchaser, eliminating the need for a size tag. Every inch of a haute couture item will be flawless as well. Imperfections like misaligned or uneven stitches, poor-quality fabrics or cheaply made zippers and buttons are a sign that a piece isn't haute couture. You can also consult the list of haute couture fashion houses published by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode every year. The list is accessible on the organization's website. Explore a wide variety of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is the difference between luxury and haute couture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between luxury and haute couture relates to exclusivity. Luxury is a general term for items made from fine materials and with meticulous crafting techniques that maximize quality, allowing them to be sold for high prices. Makers that produce these items are luxury brands. To be called haute couture, a brand must meet the strict requirements of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Each year, its commission, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, publishes a list of haute couture fashion houses. Explore a collection of luxury apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is the difference between high fashion and haute couture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between high fashion and haute couture comes down to official recognition. For its pieces to be legally called haute couture, a fashion house must meet the standards set forth by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris, which publishes a list of haute couture labels every year. High fashion is a general term for pieces designed and tailored to order that sell at aspirational price points. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of apparel and accessories.

Question 16

What is the difference between ready-to-wear and haute couture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between ready-to-wear and haute couture comes down to availability and pricing as well as whether or not the brand in question can assert haute couture status (this denomination is protected by law). Haute couture garments are crafted by maisons that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Haute couture items are custom-made and individually tailored to fit the wearer. As a result, they sell for very high prices. Fashion houses produce ready-to-wear apparel on a much larger scale in a range of predetermined sizes and sell it at lower price points. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of apparel and accessories.

Question 17

What is the difference between prêt-à-porter and haute couture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between prêt-à-porter and haute couture is availability and average price points. Also called ready-to-wear, prêt-à-porter is the term for apparel available for purchase in stores in various sizes. Haute couture pieces are custom-made to fit the wearer's body size and type, as well as their tastes. As a result, haute couture fashion tends to cost significantly more and its pieces are one-of-a-kind. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of apparel and accessories.

Question 18

What is 1950s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Question 19

Were pearls popular in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What watches were popular in 1950s?

Accepted Answer

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

1950s Haute Couture

1950s Irish Day Dresses

1950 s SYBIL CONNOLLY haute couture hand pleated olive dress

1950s French Maxi Dress

1950 s JEANNE LANVIN-CASTILLO haute couture dramatic silk dress

1960s French Jackets

1950 s BALENCIAGA haute couture black jacket with large buttons

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1950 s Dior Haute Couture Sculptural Watered Silk Cocktail Dress

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1950 s Balenciaga Haute Couture Beaded Black Silk Evening Dress

1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950 s JEANNE LANVIN CASTILLO metallic floral brocade haute couture dress

1640s European Coats

Elsa Schiaparelli Haute Couture Coat-Dress 1950s

1950s French Skirt Suits

Lanvin numbered haute couture suit late 1950s

1950s Casual Dresses

1950 S ROSSER OF BARCELONA Beige Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Jersey Draped Madam

1950s French Wedding Dresses

White guipure bustier wedding dress Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture Circa 1950 s

1950s Evening Dresses

Vintage Dress Haute Couture with Golden Sequins, 1950s

1950s French Hats

1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Velvet Jewel Toque Hat

1950s French Coats

Pierre Balmain Numbered Haute Couture Black Wool Coat, 1950s

1950s French Ball Gowns

1950s Jean Wurtz Haute Couture Blue Chantilly Lace Dress

1950s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1950s LANVIN- Castillo haute couture blue silk organza cocktail dress

1950s Evening Gowns

1950s Jean Wurtz Haute Couture Black Silk New Look Dress

1950s American Evening Dresses

1950S SOPHY CURSON Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless Embroidered Gown

1950s British Cocktail Dresses

1950s Worth British Haute Couture Gold Lamé Cocktail Dress with Cape

1950s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1950S FERCIONI Pink Purple Haute Couture Silk Beaded One Shoulder Cocktail Dr

1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Black White Haute Couture Silk Lace Cocktail Dress Jacke

1950s Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1950S CHRISTIAN DIOR Style Gold Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Beaded Cocktai

1950s Bolero Jackets

1950S CHRISTIAN DIOR Haute Couture Wool Boucle Jacket With Leopard Print Fur C

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Olive Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon 1950S Style Gown Boned Lined In

1950s Slips

1950S Black Ecru Haute Couture Silk Charmeuse Bias Slip Dress With Hand Appli

1950s Slips

1950S Black Ecru Haute Couture Silk Charmeuse Bias Slip Dress With Hand Appli

1950s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Late 1950s Capucci Haute Couture Purple Silk Cocktail Dress with Dramatic Cape

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Chanel Early Signed 1950s Goossens Pearl Blue Pate De Verre Quatrefoil Brooch

1950s Italian Hats

CESARE CANESSA c.1950 s Haute Couture Numbered Black Velvet Sculptural Hat

1950s French Jackets

1950 s Dior Numbered Haute Couture Wool Swing Jacket

1950s French Skirt Suits

1950 s BALENCIAGA green tweed boucle haute couture skirt suit

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Early 1950 s Christian Dior Haute Couture Beaded Linen Dress

Mid-20th Century French Jackets

1950 s CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA haute couture black jacket with large buttons

1950s British Aesthetic Day Dresses

1950s Paquin Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Floral Dress

1950s French Blouses

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cream Silk Pleated Tie Blouse 1950s

1950s French Shoes

Chanel Haute Couture satin pumps with brooch by Massoro, circa 1950s

1950s French Skirt Suits

Balenciaga Haute Couture Red Wool Boucle 3 Piece "Boxy Suit" Vintage 1950s

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Rare 1950s Christian Dior Haute Couture New Look Vintage Black Silk Dress

1950s Egyptian Coats

1950s Miss Egypt haute couture LeCaire beaded brocade coat and hand bag

1950s Coats

1950S LANVIN Cream Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin 3/4 Sleeve Opera Coat

1950s Spanish Cocktail Dresses