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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

Schiaparelli Haute Couture Black Changeant Faille Evening Jacket
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Changeant Faille Jacket, 1938-39. "France gave me the inspiration
Category

1940s French Jackets

S/S 1993 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Diamond Textured Blazer Jacket
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Valentino’s Spring/Summer 1993 Haute Couture collection, this tailored black blazer jacket
Category

1990s Italian Blazers

Chanel Belt Haute Couture from the Coco Era
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal three-row belt decorated with a lion head. Haute Couture
Category

1960s French Belts

Pierre Balmain dress Haute couture Spring 1986
By Pierre Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
sequins. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. 1986 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Paco Rabanne dress Haute Couture Summer 1993
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
band, and openwork long sleeves. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 1993 Spring-Summer Haute Couture
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Paco Rabanne jacket Haute Couture Summer 1989
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
a 36FR. 1989 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions
Category

1980s French Jackets

HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL 1960 s Black Beaded and Sequin Lace Gown Size 6
By HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture International gown is composed of a black beaded and sequin lace. There is a
Category

1960s Hong Kong Evening Gowns

1980s Chanel Haute Couture Cream Pant Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Incredible Chanel Haute Couture cream wool pantsuit from the early 1980s. Collarless jacket with
Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel Haute Couture ivory lace wedding dress, c. 1960s
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Haute Couture ivory lace wedding dress with corseted bodice, cap sleeves, trained skirt and
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980S Black Haute Couture Silk Gazzar Polka Dot Appliqué Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
No label however this dress came in an estate of YSL & Givenchy Haute Couture 1980S Black Haute
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Hanae Mori silk set Haute Couture 1985s
By Hanae Mori
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
silk skirt embroidered with pearls. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. A Haute
Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Chiffon and Lace Stole
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Chiffon and Lace Stole. Pink silk chiffon is inserted with strips of
Category

1980s French Scarves

Balmain dress Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1984
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
pearls and sequins. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. 1984 Fall-Winter Haute Couture
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Nina ricci set Haute Couture circa 1990
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
belt embroidered with coaral-like pearls and sequins. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Haute
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Black Poplin Long Sleeve Haute Couture Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture - Black poplin long sleeve Haute Couture dress. No size indicated
Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

Jacques Heim Haute Couture Lame Broche Bowl Hat
By Jacques Heim
Located in New York, NY
Jacques Heim Haute Couture exaggerated bowl hat shaped as a Chinese Farmers hat in red, black and
Category

1950s French Hats

HAUTE COUTURE INT L Gold Heavily Beaded Gown with Belt Size Large
By HAUTE COUTURE INT L
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture Int'l gown is composed of a heavily beaded silk in gold. The dress features a
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Dress with Black Silk Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Haute Couture silk dress with black silk belt. No size
Category

1970s French Maxi Dresses

Emanuel Ungaro dress Haute Couture Spring 1980
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
fits a 36FR. 1980 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Emanuel Ungaro
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Balmain dress Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1984
By Pierre Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
a 38FR. 1984 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Erik Mortensen
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Paco Rabanne set Haute Couture Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. 1994-1995 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Jacket
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

1940S JACQUE FATH Black Haute Couture Rayon Silk Net Top
Located in New York, NY
1940S JACQUE FATH Black Haute Couture Rayon & Silk Net Top
Category

1940s Blouses and Tops

Yves Saint Laurent Long silk Haute Couture Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Long silk Haute Couture dress. No size label, it fits a 38FR
Category

1970s French Maxi Dress

1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Black Haute Couture Silk Charmeuse Beaded Top
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in New York, NY
1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Black Haute Couture Silk Charmeuse Beaded Top
Category

1980s Blouses and Tops

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Brown Haute Couture Wool Skirt Suit
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Brown Haute Couture Wool Skirt Suit
Category

1980s Dress and Coat Ensembles

1970S LANVIN Brown Haute Couture Silk Full Pleated Peasant Skirt
By Lanvin Paris
Located in New York, NY
1970S LANVIN Brown Haute Couture Silk Full Pleated Peasant Skirt
Category

1970s Pencil Skirts

Paco Rabanne set Haute Couture Winter 1994
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
elements linked with metallic rings. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR. 1994/1995 Fall-Winter Haute Couture
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Two-Tone Silk Jumpsuit
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix -Haute Couture two-tone silk jumpsuit sewn onto the bust with a jewel. No size
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent pleated dress Haute Couture 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
size and composition labels, it fits a 36FR. 1980 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Condition
Category

1980s French Maxi Dress

Dragoni Venezia Vintage Tulle Dress Haute Couture, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1950 Haute Couture Collection. Italian Designer. Additional information
Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Torrente Blue Ostrich Leather Corset Haute Couture, 2002
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2002 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Additional information
Category

Early 2000s Corsets

MORPHEW ATELIER Silver Metal Chainlink Gown With Vintage Haute Couture
Located in New York, NY
MORPHEW ATELIER Silver Metal Chainlink Gown With Vintage Haute Couture Christian Dior Rhinestone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Formal Gowns

Atelier Versace Haute Couture c.2003 Embellished Top Swimwear Romper Bodysuit
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace Haute Couture c. 2003 Heavily Embellished Top Swimwear Romper Bodysuit Condition
Category

Early 2000s Swimwear

HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL 1960 s Black Beaded Sequin Coat with Belt Size 6
By HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture International coat is composed of a black beaded and sequin lace. There are
Category

1960s Hong Kong Coats and Outerwear

CHRISTIAN DIOR, Haute Couture, hand-sewn oxford blue, ensemble, circa 1950s
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Kingston, NY
Christian Dior, Haute Couture, hand-sewn oxford blue, ensemble, circa 1950s with provenance
Category

1950s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Emanuel Ungaro evening set Haute Couture 1979
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
nor composition labels, it fits a 36. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1979 under the artistic
Category

1970s French Trouser Pant Suits

1990s Christian Dior Haute Couture Cocktail Dress W/Velvet Corset Detailing
By Christian Dior Haute Couture, Christian Dior
Located in Gresham, OR
A Gorgeous 1990s numbered Dior Haute Couture cocktail dress by Gianfranco Ferre': Micro-pleated
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Carven golden jacket Haute Couture fall 2004-2005
By Carven
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. It fits a 36FR. 2004-2005 fall-winter Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Edward
Category

Early 2000s French Jackets

Torrente Brown Ostrich Leather Bustier Dress Haute Couture
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
wooden tassels. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection. Additional information
Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Louis Féraud Haute Couture "Siren" Dress Summer Fashion Show, 1987
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud -Haute Couture mermaid dress embroidered with sequins and beads. Flared bottom with
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Chanel Golden Metal Chain Belt Haute Couture Coco Era
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt. A Haute Couture Collection from the Coco era
Category

1960s French Belts

Yves Saint Laurent 1972 Haute Couture Silk Black Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Amsterdam, NH
Absolutely stunning dress by Yves Saint Laurent from 1972. This dress was a made to order haute
Category

1970s Evening Dresses

Hanae Mori Haute Couture Printed Silk Chiffon Dress
By Hanae Mori
Located in London, GB
Superb and rare, early Hanae Mori haute couture burgundy chiffon dress. This dress is late 1970s
Category

1970s Japanese Maxi Dress

Louis Feraud Set Haute Couture, 1980 s
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 1980 circa Haute Couture Collection. Additional information: Condition
Category

20th Century Twin Sets

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Crepe Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture -(Made in France) Black crepe dress with button back. No size
Category

1990s French Casual Dresses

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dress 1983
By Balmain
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
embroidery. The skirt has a rounded slit. No size indicated, fits a 36/38. Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 1983
Category

1980s French Maxi Dress

Franck Sorbier coat Nimbostratus Haute Couture Winter 2024
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
with metallic silk organza drapery. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR/40FR. 2024-2025 Winter Haute
Category

2010s French Coats

Chanel Red Leather Jacket Haute Couture Spring, 1994
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. 1994 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition
Category

20th Century French Jackets

Ted Lapidus Haute Couture 1980s Nautical Ivory Anchor Vintage Silk Skirt Suit
By Ted Lapidus Haute Couture, Ted Lapidus
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and rare early 80s TED LAPIDUS Haute Couture ivory / off white nautical sailor silk
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Early Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Snake Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture snake skin belt from the 1970s. Padded to be 3 dimensional
Category

1970s French Belts

Louis Féraud Haute Couture "Poisson-Lune" dress Spring-Summer, 1990
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud - Haute Couture dress embroidered with sequins featuring moonfish. It is accompanied
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Torrente Haute Couture Dress Size 36FR Fall, 2004
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Torrente - Maxi dress Torrente Haute Couture in taffeta, silk and tulle. No composition label, it
Category

Early 2000s French Day Dresses

Molyneux Haute Couture Patterned Silk Jacket
By Edward Molyneux
Located in New Hope, PA
This is a great example of French haute Couture from the 1940's. Edward Molyneux chose a modern
Category

1940s French Jackets

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE White Gown , Provenance: Betsy Bloomingdale
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Givenchy Haute Couture Gown is composed of a white wool and features an asymmetrical design
Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

Emanuel Ungaro Set Haute Couture Fall 1980
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
an old-golden braid. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. 1980 Fall-Winter Haute
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Paco Rabanne Button top Haute Couture Summer 1970
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Not signed piece from the 1970 Spring- Summer Haute Couture
Category

1970s French Camisoles

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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 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.

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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.