Skip to main content

Haute Couture

to
224
5
14
4,041
956
7
8
47
84
74
447
708
764
813
779
1
4,620
383
12
545
506
491
283
143
2,593
1,915
3,865
3,098
596
276
274
Sort By
1990S Chocolate Brown Beaded Silk Nylon Ribbon Lace Gown With Pink Accents
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Blush Pink Beige Silk Chiffon Fully Beaded Embroidered Chantilly Lace G
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Black Silk Faille Deco Seamed Gown Lined In Hot Pink Satin
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Black Rayon Nylon Lace Long Sleeved Gothic Gown Lined In Silk
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Feraud 1970s haute couture light brown lace dress in a 1920s style drop waist silhouette
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Roberta Balsamo Jewel bag size Unica
By Roberta Balsamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
World's unique piece not replicable Haute couture etno chic style Leather Bronze color Metal hand
Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Roberta Balsamo Jewel bag size Unica
Roberta Balsamo Jewel bag size Unica
$1,155 Sale Price
20% Off
Chanel 1988 Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Haute Couture Gold Hardware Nylon Trim Quilted velvet Kelly style chain top handle Snap closure
Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980s Maggie Reeves Demi Couture Taffeta Bustier, Skirt and Floral Jacket
By Maggie Reeves
Located in Toronto, Ontario
condition. Fits like a US 4. Haute couture craftsmanship. Bustier: Bust 34" Waist 30" Skirt: Waist 28
Category

1980s Canadian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1990S Pastel Mint Green Red Shredded Silk Chiffon Chantilly Lace Crystal Bead
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Pearl White Strapless Silk Duchess Satin Gown With Floral Covered Tulle S
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Pearl White Beaded Silk Lace Titanic Inspired Empire Waist Gown With Sh
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Peach Cream Silk Chiffon Chantilly Lace Empire Waist Gown Covered In Be
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Black Chantilly Lace Underlined In Teal Silk Satin Gown With Organza Ribb
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S White Silver Metallic Silk Chantilly Lace Empire Waist Gown With Satin
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

Chanel 1988 80s Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag 1988 Spring Summer Haute
Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

1990S Black Gold Beaded Rayon Silk Lace High Collar Gown With Short Sleeves D
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Black Silk Blend Matelassé Full Skirted Ball Gown Lined In Hot Pink With
Located in New York, NY
This gown retains no label, however the amount of hand-finishing points to Haute Couture or custom
Category

1990s Formal Gowns

1990S Olive Green Silk Mousseline Long Sleeve Mini Cocktail Dress Embroidered &
Located in New York, NY
Haute couture construction with no label, possibly Galanos? Bill Blass? or Mary McFadden? Fully
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior by Galliano Grand Sapphire Blue Silk Demi Couture Dress Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
exceptional and early creation of haute couture fashion by John Galliano for the House of Dior. Unlined; side
Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Roberta Balsamo World s Unique Jewel bag
By Roberta Balsamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Masterpiece by Roberta Balsamo Milan World's unique piece, not replicable Haute couture, etno chic
Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Custom-Made Purple Gold Lame Matelassé Quilted Turban w Gold Painted Feathers
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Black Wool Bouclé Wide-Brim w Striking Silhouette Feather Spray
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Peony Pink Silk Crepe Turban w Red Pink Feathers at Front
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
collection which belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Pink Floral Chiffon Turban w Matching Flower at Front Hat Pin
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
collection which belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Periwinkle Blue Floral Print Turban w Crystal Embellishment Pin
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
Embellishment: Created by Suzanne Couture Millinery with a lovely print silk chiffon fabric draped over a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom-Made Amethyst Silk Taffeta Turban Draped w Feather Bead Flower
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Taupe Gray Ombre Floral Print Silk Turban w Feather Flower
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans and styles made of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Spring/Summer Pink Satin Gold Lame Lily Print Turban w Flower
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans and styles made of the highest quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Spring/Summer Pastel Pink Chiffon Turban w Delicate Floral Print
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans and styles made of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Rare Cheney Silks Art Deco Scarf
Located in Sharon, CT
for Haute Couture by French designers like Elsa Schiaparelli. 30x31 1/2".
Category

1920s American Scarves

1960S Oyster Grey Rayon Lace Empire Waist Sleeved Gown Embroidered With Real Si
Located in New York, NY
Haute Couture details such as pattern matched lace, hand finishing & horse hair structure. Fully
Category

1960s Maxi Dresses

2015 Custom-Made Chanel Fantasy Tweed Flared Flat-Front Slacks White Black Pink
Located in Gresham, OR
were made for an exacting couture client from authentic Chanel Haute Couture fabric and feature an
Category

2010s French Flat Front Pants

Christian Dior wide-brimmed hat New Look
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. Dior's New Look designs. 2007 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of John
Category

Early 2000s French Hats

A Jean-Louis Sherrer Evening Dress in Navy Polka dots Net Circa 1980
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in Toulon, FR
Parisian fashion scene. He received the designation "haute couture". He tried his hand at ready-to-wear
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Breathtaking Atelier Versace Evening Dress An amazing Haute Couture piece One of the most stunning
Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Art Deco floral printed Chiffon dress - France Circa 1930
Located in Toulon, FR
black background, probably Haute Couture and dating from the 1930s. Sleeveless dress with round neckline
Category

1930s French Day Dresses

Gianni Versace Couture White Leather and Brass Luxury Beauty Case
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Aci Castello, IT
fusion of haute couture and practical luxury. The Greek key motif is central to the brand’s DNA, and its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cosmetic Bags

Custom Made Red Silk Crepe Wrapped Turban w Black Feather Horsehair Flourish
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom-Made Wool Challis Turban in Chartreuse and Pastel Floral Print w Feathers
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats, particularly dramatic turbans and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Rare 2013 Versace Atelier Gold Metal Fringe Tie Dyed Gabardine Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Atelier Versace Gold Chain Fringe Dress — Haute Couture 2013 As seen on Jennifer Lopez and Celine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

A Madame Grès Couture Evening Dress - Autumn Winter 1953
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1953. France Grand Soir dress in black silk faille by Madame Grès Haute Couture, 1953
Category

1950s French Day Dresses

Pierre Balmain Beaded Black Silk Sleeveless Top
By Pierre Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain BALMAIN HAUTE COUTURE - Black silk sleeveless top fully embroidered with multicolored beads
Category

1960s Blouses and Tops

Custom-Made Orchid Pink Silk Chiffon Floral Print Turban w Floral Center Pin
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
collection which belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and hats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Serge Lepage Skater Dress in Silk Chiffon Embroidered with Pearly Beads
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Serge Lepage Haute Couture - Skater dress in silk chiffon embroidered with pearly beads and sequins
Category

1970s Evening Dresses

CHANEL 16K$ Paris / Edinburgh Museum Level Tweed Dress 36 FR
By Chanel
Located in Dubai, AE
CHANEL Paris / Edinburgh 2013 Haute Couture Tweed Dress ~ A Mastery Relic of the House — Museum
Category

2010s Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Roberta Balsamo World s Unique Jewel bag
By Roberta Balsamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Masterpiece by Roberta Balsamo Milan World's unique piece, not replicable Haute couture, etno chic
Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

S/S 1998 Thierry Mugler Couture Runway Black Sheer Accent Blazer
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Spring/Summer 1998 collection, this blazer debuted on the season's Haute Couture runway. Constructed with
Category

1990s French Blazers

Louis Feraud blouse 1980s
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
indicated, it fits a 36FR. Circa 1980 Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Good condition Dimensions
Category

1980s Camisoles

Paul Daunay Couture silk and wool dress and coat ensemble, c. 1952-57
By Paul Daunay
Located in London, GB
alongside esteemed masters such as Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga. This haute couture ensemble
Category

1950s French Day Dresses

Roberta Balsamo World s Unique Jewel bag
By Roberta Balsamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Masterpiece by Roberta Balsamo Milan World's unique piece, not replicable Haute couture, etno chic
Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Roberta Balsamo World s Unique Jewel bag
By Roberta Balsamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Masterpiece by Roberta Balsamo Milan World's unique piece, not replicable Haute couture, etno chic
Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

1960s Red Boucle Wool Tweed and Lion Button Jacket
Located in London, GB
Iolion Creations. Made in France and an extremely well made example of haute couture fashion circa 1961
Category

1970s French Blazers

S/S 1997 Atelier Versace by Gianni Beaded Floral Dress Corset Removable Strap
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an intricate Atelier Versace Haute Couture dress designed by Gianni Versace for his
Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Ted Lapidus Couture Halterneck Midi Dress
By Ted Lapidus
Located in Geneva, CH
Let's embrace the 70's with this Ted Lapidus haute couture evening dress ! Constructed in black
Category

1970s French Summer Dresses

1990S Brown Hand Painted Silk Velvet Jacket With Rope Belt
Located in New York, NY
This piece has no label however it was purchased with an estate of haute couture dating from the
Category

1990s Jackets

Custom-Made Gold Lamé Net Turban w Bronze Lace Veil Painted Feather Brooch
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
options from this same collection which belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

Custom Made Lily Print Silk Chiffon Turban w Feather Bouquet at Front
By Suzanne Couture Millinery
Located in Gresham, OR
same collection which belonged to an exacting collector who loved French Haute Couture clothing and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hats

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Haute Couture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Read More

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.