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Versace Haute couture sequins dress size 42
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Haute couture Mixed fabric Black and green color Finely worked sequins inserts Lateral zip closure
Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses

Givenchy dress Haute Couture circa 90
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. Haute Couture Collection circa 1990. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 39 cm
Category

1990s French Ball Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent dress Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Haute Couture Collection circa 1970. Condition: Very good
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Desses dress Haute Couture 1948
By Jean Dessès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1948 Winter Haute Couture Collection. To be mentioned, some worn
Category

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

Louis Feraud evening dress Haute Couture
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
sequins. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1978
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Adrienne Haute Couture Long Sleeve Top
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ADRIENNE HAUTE COUTURE - Long sleeve top in lace and silk embellished with black velvet, beads, and
Category

1980s Blouses and Tops

Nina Ricci bustier dress Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. 1996-1997 Fall-Winter Haute Couture
Category

1990s French Ball Gowns

Louis Feraud Haute Couture Silk Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud -Haute Couture silk dress made by the workshops Jean-Guy Vermont. Embroidery by Louis
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci sequined top Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
missing, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Girard
Category

1990s French Chemises

Torrente top Haute Couture 2002/2003
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
pearls. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2002-2003 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection . Brand
Category

Early 2000s French Chemises

Louis Feraud top Haute Couture 1987
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
-summer Haute couture fashion show. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 40 cm
Category

1980s French Camisoles

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Jacket, 1997
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture jacket, Spring-Summer 1997 collection, in wool embroidered with
Category

20th Century Jackets

Christian Lacroix hat Haute Couture Spring 1992
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Golden coated straw hat. 1992 Spring-Summer Haute Couture
Category

1990s French Hats

Emanuel Ungaro coat Haute Couture 1980
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
36FR/38FR. 1980 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Emanuel Ungaro
Category

1980s French Coats

Jean Patou Haute Couture Dress Spring-Summer, 1955
By Jean Patou
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean Patou Haute Couture dress in guipure, satin and tulle. No label of composition or size, it
Category

1950s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci golden dress Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
effect. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. 1989-1990 Fall-Winter Haute Couture
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior dress Haute Couture 1969
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Haute Couture Collection, under the artistic direction of Marc Bohan. Condition: Very good condition
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior Jumpsuit Haute Couture, 1969
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
fits a 34FR/36FR. 1969 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection, exclusively designed for Mexico by Maria
Category

20th Century Jumpsuits

Pierre Balmain Maxi Dress Haute Couture
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Balmain - (Made in France) Maxi robe Haute Couture avec traine en organza entièrement soutaché de
Category

1980s French Maxi Dress

Nina Ricci set Haute Couture 1991
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
with shiny pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. 1991 Spring-Summer Haute
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Guy Laroche dress Haute Couture 1978s
By Guy Laroche
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
decorated with pearl and golden lurex embroidery. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Haute-Couture Chanel coat-dress pink wild silk
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Haute-Couture Chanel coat-dress shall numbered in pink wild silk and mother of pearl buttons
Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Timeless Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Ribbed Silk Suit
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Ribbed Silk Suit in an unusual black textile with slight
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

Emanuel Ungaro set Haute Couture 1996
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
indicated, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Collection Haute Couture Printemps-Eté 1996. Condition: Very good
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Cape 1970s
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in London, GB
- 1970s Jean-Louis Numbered Haute Couture collection - Sold by Mae Vintage London - Multiple
Category

1970s Capes

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Long Silk Coat on Black and White
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, Pierre Balmain Couture
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture (Ribbon N°148889) Long silk coat with a black and white pattern
Category

1970s French Coats

Chanel evening dress Haute Couture 1979
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
salmon-pink taffeta. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1979. To be mentioned, several stains on the lower
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior top Haute Couture winter 2012
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
fits a 36FR/38FR. 2012 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Raf Simons
Category

2010s French Tunics

Chanel dress Haute Couture Winter 1956
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
slipdress edged with lace. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1956 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection
Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture - Dress composed of black wool cheesecloth and velvet. It fastens
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Linea Barberini haute couture Velvet Silk Black Dress
Located in Capri, IT
Linea Barberini haute couture Black Dress unique dress totally made in italy embellished with beads
Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

YSL Haute Couture Gold Leather Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
flowerhead buttons by Goosens. Black silk charmeuse lining. Crafted by YSL Haute Couture. Iconic is an often
Category

1980s French Jackets

Christian Dior set Haute Couture 1996
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
1996 Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Gianfranco Ferré. Condition: Very good
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Trouser Pant Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Silk Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Haute Couture silk dress. No size or composition label, it
Category

1960s French Maxi Dresses

Chanel set Haute Couture Winter 2004
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. 2004 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition
Category

Early 2000s French Skirt Suits

Christian Dior top Haute Couture Winter 1989
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. 1989 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the direction of Gianfranco Ferré . Condition: Very
Category

1980s French Bustiers

Franck Sorbier dress Haute Couture Summer 2014
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
hand. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2014 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Condition
Category

2010s French Cocktail Dresses

Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Silk and Velvet Dress, Size 36FR
By Ted Lapidus Haute Couture, Ted Lapidus
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ted Lapidus Haute Couture - Dress composed of velvet and silk taffeta. No composition or size tag
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent guipure dress Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection from the late 1980s-early 1990s
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL Heavily Beaded Silk Champagne Opera Coat Dress
By HAUTE COUTURE INT L
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture International ensemble is composed of a champagne tone embellished silk with a
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Evening Dresses and Gowns

Paris Haute Couture Auction Catalog 2017 Published by Gros Delettrez
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Paris Haute Couture Auction Catalog 2017 Published by Gros & Delettrez, Haute Couture Mode et
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Books

Nina Ricci Pink Theatrical Coat Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nina Ricci -Long golden and fuchsia sculpted fabric coat. Silk lining. Haute Couture Collection
Category

20th Century Coats

1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Crepe Strapless Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Crepe Strapless Gown
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

1950S MARGARET Silk Chiffon Haute Couture Top From Paris
By Margaretha Ley
Located in New York, NY
1950S MARGARET Silk Chiffon Haute Couture Top From Paris
Category

1950s Blouses and Tops

Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Cape in Velvet, 2014/15
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Franck Sorbier -Haute Couture cape in velvet panne and velvet devoured. No composition label or
Category

2010s French Capes

Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Spring 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fashion show prototype from the 1989 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Composition and size labels
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Lacroix Coat Haute Couture, 1988/89
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Maxi coat in silk velvet in mauve and purple tones. Silk lining. Haute Couture
Category

20th Century French Coats

CHISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE Navy Layered Chiffon Dress, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980s
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a navy blue three layer chiffon swirl print cocktail dress by Christian Dior Haute Couture
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Viscose Embroidered Dress
By Pierre Balmain, Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture - Evening dress in viscose embroidered with pearly beads. No
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Christian Dior jacket Haute Couture Winter 1985
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 1985 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection, under the artistic direction
Category

1980s French Jackets

Valentino Haute Couture Pin-Striped Open Coat
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
Early 90's Valentino haute couture wool and silk open coat. With its straight tailored cut and the
Category

1990s Italian Coats

Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Winter 1999
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
label missing. 1999/2000 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good condition
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Louis Feraud organza stole Haute Couture (Attributed to)
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
LOUIS FERAUD - Long green organza stole sewn with golden threads and sequins. Not signed. A Haute
Category

1980s French Scarves

Haute Couture Paris Auction Catalog 2016 Published by Gros Delettrez
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Paris Haute Couture Auction Catalog 2016 Published by Gros & Delettrez, Haute Couture Mode et
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Books

Nina Ricci Set Haute Couture, 1988
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Haute Couture Collection under the direction of Gérard Pipart. Additional information: Condition: Good
Category

20th Century Twin Sets

Jean-Louis Scherrer flower dress Haute Couture
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
comes with a stole. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. A Haute Couture Collection
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Franck Sorbier jacket Cloud Haute Couture 2024
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
double black swiss dot tulle. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 2024/2025 Fall-Winter Haute Couture
Category

2010s French Coats

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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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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.