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Louis Féraud Haute Couture Embroidered Set, Circa 1990
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud -Set consisting of a vest fully embroidered with oriental motifs in beads, top with coordinating straps, loose printed pants and embroidered belt. No size indicated, it ...
Category

20th Century French Twin Sets

Sybil Connolly Haute Couture Charcoal Grey Strapless Ballgown
By Sybil Connolly
Located in New Hope, PA
A chic charcoal grey gown with a hint of mauve, in a rich and rustling silk from Sybil Connolly, the Irish Couturier, is simple and elegant at the same time, a perfect jewelry dress....
Category

1960s Irish Evening Gowns

Vintage 1960s Haute Couture Balmain Dress and Jacket
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning piece and so wonderfuly constructed. The fabric is a wonderful orange and ivory print, with a super silk lining and an inner lining of tuile like fabric. The dress...
Category

1960s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Red / Green Stripe Silk Chiffon Dress, 1991
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Yves Saint Laurent understood fashion for the everyday woman, and he also was a master of couture
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Documented Chanel by Coco Chanel Haute Couture Suit Jacket, Spring-Summer 1964
By Chanel
Located in Geneva, CH
pictures 2 & 3), this 1964 Spring-Summer haute couture skirt suit is currently on display at their
Category

1960s French Jackets

Lanvin Castello Haute Couture Coral Silk Brocade Coat Dress Ensemble 1950s
By Lanvin Paris, Antonio del Castillo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lanvin-Castello Haute Couture dress & coat ensemble in bright coral silk brocade from the 1950s
Category

1950s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Cocktail dress in Calais lace by Germaine Lecomte Haute Couture Paris Circa 1950
Located in Toulon, FR
skirt 381 cm. Germaine Lecomte (1889-1966) was a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture
Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Givenchy by John Galliano Haute Couture 1996 suit skirt
By Givenchy
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Givenchy Couture 1996 by John Galliano suit skirt size 44 FR
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Balmain Haute Couture Mint Green Suit with Embroidery, 2000s
By Balmain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s. Beautifully finished couture piece with lovely crochet buttons and intricate embroidery detail
Category

Late 20th Century Trouser Pant Suits

Paco Rabanne coat Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1982-1983
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Long black inside-out leather coat embroidered with golden-brown braids and decorated with golden pearls and matching pompoms. No size indicated, it fits a 42FR. Proto...
Category

1980s French Coats

Louis Feraud dress Butterfly Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1986
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
LOUIS FERAUD - (Made in France) Orange dress with an openwork back, and a butterfly sewn with pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Condition: Very good ...
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Dior Haute Couture Black Two-Piece Wool Dress, 1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Christian Dior afternoon dress circa early 1960s. Under dress has slip top with hook and eye closure with slight discoloration under arms with button front straight skirt. Ov...
Category

Mid-20th Century Day Dresses

1989 YVES SAINT LAURENT haute couture silk RUNWAY dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare couture dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to 1989 exactly as seen on the spring
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Louis Feraud Haute Couture Embroidered Jacket in Ecru Silk
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Feraud - Jacket in ecru silk entirely embroidered with black and white passementerie and pearls. No size indicated, corresponds to a 36FR. Some signs of wear present. Addition...
Category

1980s Jackets

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Long Silk Dress, Size 36FR
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Cardin -Long silk long sleeve dress. No size label, it fits a 36FR. Model dating from the 1950s. To note, the lining has some tears. Additional information: Dimensions: Ches...
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

Black leather sandal with double flange Chanel Haute - Couture
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather sandal with double flange and gold leather lining."Double C " ornament on the flange. Shoes Size 39 ( It) High of the heels = 8,5 cm
Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Dimitri Kritsas Haute Couture New York 1960s-70 Black Bead Fringe Evening Gown
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Dimitri Kritsas Haute Couture New York from the 1960s-70s black bead & fringe evening gown. This
Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses

1998 ATELIER VERSACE haute couture silk floral mini RUNWAY dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Atelier Versace couture mini dress from the Spring/Summer 1998 runway collection, made of
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Givenchy by John Galliano Haute Couture 1996 Dress and coat
By Givenchy
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Givenchy Couture 1996 by John Galliano dress and coat, the dress is size 40 FR and the coat
Category

1990s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

1940s Haute Couture Blue Moiré Silk Halter-Neck Maxi Gown
Located in London, GB
This incredible couture made gown was designed in the 1940s but alas, the dress has lost its labels
Category

1940s French Evening Dresses

1960 s EISA BALENCIAGA haute couture vibrant pink silk dress
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
throughout. It is everything you would expect from a couture garment and not to be missed. Best fits a size
Category

1960s Spanish Mini Dress

Madame Grès Haute Couture Tomato Red Silk Cocktail Dress, 1970s
By Madame Gres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Creatively constructed dress by the fabulous Madame Grès. Vibrant tomato red silk twill knee length cocktail dress. Intricate darting and seam-work make for a unique silhouette. Mini...
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20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Black Guipure Haute Couture Lace Blouse, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Black Guipure Lace Blouse. Features inner lining at bust ending at hip. Side zipper. Top back button and hook. Zipper at either wrist. Excellent c...
Category

20th Century Blouses

1940s Lanvin Haute Couture Black Wool and Braid Work Jacket
By Lanvin Paris
Located in London, GB
A rare survivor and early couture blazer jacket designed by the House of Lanvin. It almost
Category

1940s French Jackets

Givenchy Haute Couture Black Multi Color Dots Vintage Silk Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Givenchy Couture black silk matelasse cocktail dress with asymmetrical neckline and multi
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1980s French Evening Dresses

Torrente set Haute Couture Red Set of Blouse and Skirt
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Torrente - Red set composed of a blouse and a skirt with flower pattern and embroidered with pearls. Flounced collar. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Cond...
Category

Early 2000s Twin Sets

Ungaro Attributed Haute Couture A-Line Silk Crepe Cocktail Dress
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Geneva, CH
Late sixties silk crepe printed dress attributed to Ungaro couture. Lovely A-line cut, zipped in
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Jeweled Necklace Caftan Dress Collectors, Museums
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one-of-a-kind Couture Paco Rabanne circa 1970's. Fashioned of black burnout silk velvet with
Category

1970s Caftans

Nina Ricci Pink Top Haute Couture in Pearls and Rhinestones
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nina Ricci - (Made in France) Long-sleeve top embroidered with pearls and rhinestones. Zipper on the back. Golden metal fake buttons with pink rhinestones. Piece from the 1970s. No s...
Category

20th Century French Blouses and Tops

1970 s Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown
By Guy Laroche
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1970's Guy Laroche couture cream silk gown. High neckline, billowing sleeves and empire
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1970s French Empire Waist Dresses

Christian Dior Suit Set of Jacket and Pants Haute Couture
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - Set composed of a jacket and off-shite striped pants. Pas de taille indiquée, il correspond à un 34FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Jac...
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Early 2000s Trouser Pant Suits

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE Aqua Draped Gown Size 0 2
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Christian Dior gown is composed of an aqua crepe silk with as silk satin slip. Features an asymmetrical design with a side zipper. In excellent vintage condition, there are som...
Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

1930s Haute Couture Black Liquid Satin Maxi Dress with Open Sleeves
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and original 1930s French couture dress in outstanding wearable condition. Of complex
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1930s French Evening Dresses

Haute Couture Black Embroidered French Silk Net Fringed Shawl- 40", 1900s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Despite being over a century old, this intricate mantilla is as colorful and perfect as the day it was made. Similar in complexity to a piano shawl but half the traditional size (and...
Category

Early 1900s French Shawls

1950s Henry A La Pensée Haute Couture Navy Ribbonwork Skirt Suit
Located in London, GB
accessories (scarves, bags, and jewelry) and hand knits until 1943, when they introduced "a couture collection
Category

1950s French Skirt Suits

Madame Grès Haute Couture Black Elegant Evening Gown 1960s Gres Dress
By Madame Gres
Located in Berlin, BE
Greco-Roman antiquity and translated into modern Couture. The fabric clings gently to the form before
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Silver and black sequin sleeveless tunic TED LAPIDUS Nouvelle Haute Couture
By Ted Lapidus
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silver and black sequin sleeveless tunic on a tulle base. Lining is probably made of acetate or rayon. Zip closure on the middle back. Hand made in France; Split on the middle front...
Category

1970s French Tunics

Pierre Balmain 1970 s Numbered Haute Couture Yellow Silk Tunic Pants
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New Hope, PA
A 1970's saffron yellow silk tunic and matching pants from Balmain, Paris is the perfect, pulled together ensemble for the girl in a hurry. Add some great shoes, a little jewelry and...
Category

1970s French Trouser Pant Suits

1980 s Jean Charles De Castelbajac Haute Couture Yellow Wool Tunic
By Jean Charle De Castelbajac
Located in Sheffield, GB
Unusual, Superbly constructed Vintage Jean Charles De Castelbajac Couture Wool Tunic. With leather
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20th Century French Tunics

Paco Rabanne 1985 "House of Medici" Haute Couture Gown Museum Collectors
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1985 Paco Rabanne Couture one-of-a-kind couture gown fashioned of silk velvet with bolero of
Category

1980s Court Gowns

1960s Courreges Haute Couture Orange A-line Sleeveless Wool Maxi Dress
By Courrèges, André Courrèges
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A rare original 1960s Courreges numbered couture bright orange wool sculpted A-line shift dress
Category

20th Century French Day Dresses

1990s Atelier Versace Haute Couture Tie Dye Baroque Silk Evening Jacket
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Atelier Versace jacket, designed by Gianni Versace, combines the house’s iconic baroque motif with a distinctive tie-dye treatment. The piece features structured shoulders with ...
Category

1990s Italian Jackets

Jean-Louis Scherrer Tunic Dress Embroidered with Pearls Sequins Haute Couture
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean-Louis Scherrer - (Made in France) Tunic dress entirely embroidered with pearls and sequins in copper and black tones. No size nor composition label, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Additi...
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1960 s Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture black brocade dress and jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black floral brocade dress and matching jacket from Cristobal Balenciaga dating to the early 1960's. Ensemble best fits a small US size 2. Narrow shoulders 13-14". Fit...
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Ted Lapidus Dress Boutique Haute Couture Paris 36 1980s XS-S
By Ted Lapidus Boutique
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely Wool blend Ted Lapidus Multi Colored (what feels like a wool / mohair blend) Dress. Has a madarin style collar with a drop skirt. Floral and check design. Measuring (labeled a...
Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

MADAME GRES HAUTE COUTURE Betsy Bloomingdale 1960 s Yellow Asymmetrical Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gown is composed of a yellow silk crepe. Features an asymmetrical design with snap closures. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for p...
Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture skirt-suit numbered 14539 Circa 1967/1970
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1967/1970 France Iconic three-piece skirt suit with fine stripes as a counterpart to the famous trouser suit that Yves Saint Laurent created in 1967. Chocolate wool cloth wove...
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

F/W 1992 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Medusa Studded Leather Shorts
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
season's couture runway on Yasmeen Ghauri. These custom hand-made shorts are covered in gold-tone studs
Category

1990s Italian Hot Pants

A Christian Dior Haute Couture Evening Dress by Marc Bohan Circa 1975
By Christian Dior, Marc Bohan
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1975 France Long bat dress in jersey and silk muslin tightened at the chest by a tie. Sleeveless low-cut neckline retained by fine matching straps. Huge asymmetrical triangle w...
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

HUBERT DE GIVENCHY c.1952 Haute Couture Number "H97" Herringbone Wool Jacket
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
silhouette wool jacket. Hand written couture number "H97". Curved neckline. Exaggerated shoulders and bust
Category

1950s French Jackets

Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Gray Chiffon Butterfly Bead Blouse - XS, 1970s
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in Tucson, AZ
sweep: 34” bow tails: 1 ½” wide x 20” long label: Jean-Louis Scherrer (Paris); couture number
Category

1970s French Blouses

1981 Chanel Haute Couture Green and Brown Tweed 4 Piece Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Show stopping 1981 green and brown Chanel Couture six piece ensemble including a jacket, blouse
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1980s French Skirt Suits

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lesage Paris Betsy Bloomingdale Beaded 1960s Gown Size 2
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Givenchy Couture ensemble is composed of a strapless nude gown with draped bow detail and a
Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

Christian Dior Numbered Haute Couture Navy Wool Skirt Suit, Spring / Summer 1989
By Christian Dior
Located in Munich, DE
front. The original label has the registered couture number 25535 and the fabric tag behind. You could
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Vintage Ultra Rare Claude Montana Haute Couture Black M 657 Sunglasses 1989
By Alain Mikli
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Seldom Vintage Rare Claude Montana whimsical shock wave frame. Solid grey lenses. Please consider that this item is nearly 40 years old so it could show minor sign of wear due to s...
Category

1980s French Sunglasses

Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture embellished brown wool pant suit, fw 2001
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean-Louis Scherrer brown wool trouser suit ▪ Designed by Stephane Rolland ▪ Double-breasted blazer jacket ▪ Heavily beaded right shoulder ▪ Asymmetric hemline ▪ Red beaded pins...
Category

Early 2000s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

HAUTE COUTURE 1950s Black Sequin Ball Gown Evening Theater Opera Party Dress
Located in Thiensville, WI
Amazing vintage ball gown custom made for 1950s opera singer Alberta Hopkins. Net overdress is heavily embellished with glossy and textured black sequins. Strapless bodice is boned a...
Category

1950s Ball 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 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 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 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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