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1983 Madame Gres Haute Couture Blue Striped Taffeta Cocktail Dress W/Capelet
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
1983 Madame Gres haute couture cocktail dress featuring a blue silk taffeta bodice w/thin spaghetti
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1980s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Linen Monochrome Coat Dress
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
A sophisticated 1980s haute couture mid-length dress cut from black linen by Pierre Balmain circa
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1960 s Chanel Haute Couture Iconic Navy and Cream Boucle Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1960's Chanel Haute Couture iconic combination of cream wool boucle and navy braided trim fastened
Category

1960s French Jackets

Chanel Haute Couture Cream Boucle 3 Piece Tweed Suit Circa 1960s
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful 1960's Chanel Haute Couture suit set. The coat and skirt are composed of a
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

A Printed Chiffon Evening Dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture Circa 1970
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Early 1970 France. Long sleeveless Haute Couture dress by Madame Grès. Bottom of the orange dress
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

Pierre Balmain dress Haute Couture Winter 1985
By Pierre Balmain Couture
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
BALMAIN - (Made in France) Long pleated blue silk dress embroidered with rhinestones and pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. 1985 Fall-Winter Collection unde...
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1990s Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Black Ostrich Leather Chain Accent Skirt Suit
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black ostrich leather Haute Couture skirt set by Paco Rabanne, from the early 1990s, is
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

F/W 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Black Velvet Bow Midi Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent black midi dress debuted on the Fall/Winter 1983 Haute Couture runway
Category

1980s French Mini Dress

Christian Lacroix Numbered Haute Couture Black Dress Optional Black Lace Sleeves
By Christian Lacroix
Located in New Hope, PA
This elegant haute couture dress designed by Christain Lacroix can be worn in two different ways
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses

Madame Grès Haute Couture Black Silk Faille Evening Dress, c. 1965
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture black silk faille evening dress by Madame Grès, circa 1965. The design features a
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Haute Couture Black Velvet Pierre Balmain Evening Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful cocktail dress in black velvet with silk tulle on the shoulder . Haute couture by Pierre
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses

Ted Lapidus Boutique Haute Couture Paris Silk Top/Skirt
By Ted Lapidus Haute Couture
Located in Sharon, CT
Made in France 1980's. Length of blouse 25", length skirt 28.5". Layered ruffle peplum skirt, fully silk lined.
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

1980s Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Silk Cut Out Dress
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in London, GB
haute couture collection in 1987. Master couturiers would often mix design elements to create bespoke
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

André Courrèges Haute Couture Skirt Suit In Black Wool Circa 1968/1975
By André Courrèges
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1968/1975 France Gorgeous Modernist skirt suit by André Courrèges Haute Couture size 00 from
Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

A burgundy velvet lamé evening gown by Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Circa 1980
By Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin Couture
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France A long evening dress in Burgundy velvet by Pierre Cardin Haute Couture dating
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Cocktail dress in lace and sequins by Louis Féraud Haute Couture Circa 1985
By Louis Feraud
Located in Toulon, FR
BRIGITTE BARDOT. In 1978 and 1984, LOUIS FÉRAUD won the "Golden Thimble Award" for his French Haute-Couture
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1960s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Space Age Mod Black Wool Vintage 60s Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and Iconic 1960s PIERRE CARDIN Haute Couture black Space Age midi dress! Features panels of
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses

Christian Dior Haute Couture Black Mesh Heels, F/W 2018 39 FR
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
From Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Fall/Winter 2018 Haute Couture collection for Christian Dior, these
Category

2010s European Shoes

Chanel Haute Couture Black Silk Guipure Lace Cocktail Dress Numbered LBD 1980s
By Chanel
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exquisite and rare vintage Chanel haute couture cocktail dress, dating to the early 1980s
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture electric blue documented dress, 1987
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
DOCUMENTED RUNWAY haute couture dress with model name on the lable. Electric blue color
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2003 Haute Couture Black Wool Pearl Button Blazer
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier - Spring Summer 2003 Haute Couture collection - Several referce in
Category

Early 2000s Italian Blazers

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Polka Dot Dress Coat Ensemble
By Nina Ricci
Located in Geneva, CH
Wedding season is here and this early 60s Nina Ricci haute couture set is an elegant option for the
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Maggy Rouff Haute Couture Open-Back Sequin-Embellished Tulle Cocktail Dress
By Maggy Rouff
Located in Geneva, CH
Channeling the timeless glamour, this late 50's - early 60's Maggy Rouff haute couture cocktail
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

GIVENCHY c.1990 s Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Vintage Nina Ricci Haute Couture 1980s Avant Garde Linen + Silk Strapless Gown
By Nina Ricci
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous Avant Garde NINA RICCI Haute Couture 80s black and marigold polka dot strapless evening
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Chanel Haute Couture 1983 Karl Ecru White Gold Belted Tweed Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Exceptional and iconic ecru tweed skirt suit from the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1983
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Hand-beaded Coat with Ostrich Feathers, FW 1999
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture evening coat meticulously hand-beaded on knitted wool to resemble
Category

1990s French Coats and Outerwear

Jean Patou Haute Couture Silk Window Check Dress/Jacket Ensemble, 1950s
By Jean Patou
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The haute couture ensemble to take you back to a late 50's summer day, in an elevated way of course
Category

Mid-20th Century Dress and Coat Ensembles

1970s Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Flame Red Silk Dress
By Ted Lapidus
Located in London, GB
This Ted Lapidus dress is circa 1977 and is made entirely by hand; this label is probably the haute
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

2003 Givenchy Fall Haute Couture Green Velvet Skirt Suit
By Givenchy, Julien Macdonald
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture 2003 presentation and is look number 2. The jacket features unusual gathered puff
Category

Early 2000s French Skirt Suits

Lanvin numbered Haute couture black silk and velvet strapless cocktail dress
By Lanvin Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lanvin numbered Haute Couture cocktail dress...From the late 1970s or early 1980s...Strapless
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Kelly Green Silk Jacket and Shell Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Haute Couture numbered Kelly green silk jacket and top
Category

1990s French Blazers

2006 Valentino Haute Couture Ruffle White and Silver Gown
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
, heavily embellished haute couture example would cost in excess of $170,000 today. This dress is in
Category

Early 2000s Italian Wedding Dresses

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Cocktail Dress w/Space Age Design Motif ca. 1966
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
Ca.1966 Pierre Cardin haute couture black silk mini short-sleeved cocktail dress with silver foil
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1983 Valentino Haute Couture Emerald Green Velvet and Wool Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
This elegant cocktail dress was designed as part of Valentino’s 1983 Fall haute couture collection
Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket Circa: 1960’s Label
Category

1960s French Single-Breasted Jackets

Chanel set Haute Couture Summer 2008
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - White and pink tweed set composed of a dress and a mid-length coat with three-quarter sleeves. It is edged with matching braids and a golden resin brooch topped with costum...
Category

Early 2000s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Yves Saint Laurent skirt Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Mid-length velvet skirt with a silk lining. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 32 cm - ...
Category

1980s French Pencil Skirts

A black kimono jacket by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture n. 111036 Circa 1975-1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
impeccable fall and beautiful Haute Couture finishing. Minor repairs to the underarm seams (1 cm), absolutely
Category

1970s French Tuxedo Jackets

Nina Ricci bustier top Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Black velvet bustier top. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 40 cm - Waist: 34 cm ...
Category

1990s French Bustiers

Nina Ricci long dress Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Long black velvet and silk bustier dress, collar edged with fox fur. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Very good conditio...
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950s Belgian Lancel haute couture embellished waist black wool dress
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
This beautiful 1950s Lancel haute couture dress has a beaded waist and is made in a luxurious wool
Category

1950s European Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare vintage 1940s Chanel couture gown. Straight silhouette gown comprising a skirt
Category

1640s European Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Museum Chanel Haute Couture F/W 1986 Black Gold Sequin Lesage Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This Chanel Haute Couture ensemble from the Fall/Winter 1986 collection is an extraordinary and
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Nina Ricci silk dress Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Long crepe silk muslin evening dress with flounces. Heart collar and bare shoulders. Composition and size labels, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good ...
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Tailor
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Set consisting of a pink lamé jacket and skirt, and a pink silk chiffon blouse. Size and composition labels are missing; it fits a size 36FR. C...
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Museum Chanel Haute Couture 1961 Coco Beige Red Blue Tweed Jacket Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Magnificent Haute Couture tweed jacket and skirt ensemble from the Coco Chanel era, dating to the
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

Highly Documented Courrèges Haute Couture Wool Set, Fall-Winter 1969-1970
By André Courrèges
Located in Geneva, CH
André Courrèges opened the haute couture to the Pop culture. Giving priority to geometric lines and
Category

1960s French Scarves

An Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Coat Dress Numbered 29390 Circa 1970/1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Laurent Haute Couture numbered 29390 Circa 1970. From the wardrobe of Madame Augier, famous owner of the
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci Haute Couture 1990 Black Satin Evening Gown with Sweetheart Neckline
By Nina Ricci
Located in Rubiera, RE
NINA RICCI Haute Couture under the artistic direction of Gérard Pipart. Long black satin evening
Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

1990’s Christian Dior Haute Couture Charcoal Grey Woollen Coat
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in London, GB
An early 1990s Christian Dior woollen mid-length coat in a charcoal grey, with princess seams on the back and front bodice. The coat has a mandarin collar and shoulder pads for addit...
Category

20th Century Overcoats

Givenchy Three-Piece Set Haute Couture
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Givenchy - (Made in France) Three-piece set with a cream silk jacket embroidered with costume pearls, rhinestones and sequins in orange and white tones. The set also includes a pleat...
Category

1980s French Twin Sets

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture A/W 1984 Grey Pant Suit
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sharp and sophisticated Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture suit. A continuation of the infamous 1966
Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel Haute Couture Black Jersey Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -Black jersey dress with removable collar and cuffs. Bolduc number 50707. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 44FR/46FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder widt...
Category

1970s French Maxi Dresses

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Silk burgundy shirt Chanel Haute-Couture
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk burgundy shirt with top-stitched pleats on the front. The cuff need to be close with cufflink ( not provided) SIZE M
Category

1950s French Shirts

Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Purple Lurex Brocade Bejewelled Dress, FW 2005
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in London, GB
This Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture dress, designed by Stéphane Rolland and presented as look
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Haute Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary piece of haute couture you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Gray, Beige and more in stock now. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of haute couture may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Chanel are consistently popular. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Haute Couture?

The price for a piece of haute couture starts at $166 and tops out at $60,169, and on average, selling for $2,497.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About Haute Couture
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Why it's called couture is owed to the origin of the word. In French, couture means "dressmaking" or "sewing." The term fits couture fashion because it refers to pieces that are designed and tailored to order. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of apparel from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    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.

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Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.