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Valentino Set Haute Couture Pleated Skirt in Silk Crepe
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Set Haute Couture composed of a top entirely embroidered with pearls and sequins, and a
Category

1980s Evening Gowns

Balenciaga Haute Couture Printed Silk Dress with Provenance
By Balenciaga
Located in New Hope, PA
the interior is beautifully finished in some of the best hand work from the haute couture atelier of
Category

1960s 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 - Very nice dress in black wool crepe, fastening with a slanting
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion Belt Maison Goossens
By Maison Goossens for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Astrological sign) is a classic leitmotif. Early, Unsigned, Haute Couture. 1960's France. Handmade, Gilt Bronze
Category

1960s French Belts

Jean-Louis Scherrer dress Haute Couture winter 2005
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Haute Couture Collection, under the artistic direction of Stéphane Rolland. Condition: Good condition
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Carven Haute Couture Wool and Silk Lining Suit, 1960
By Carven
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Carven - Haute Couture skirt suit in wool and silk lining. No size label or composition, it fits a
Category

1960s French Twin Sets

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Top Embroidered with Passementerie and Sequins
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud - Haute Couture vest embroidered with passementerie and sequins from the 1990s. No
Category

1990s French Blouses and Tops

Yves Saint Laurent Long Purple and Gray Silk Velvet Haute Couture Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture (Made in France) Long purple and gray silk velvet Haute Couture
Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Faille Perfect LBD Dress
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Faille Perfect LBD Dress
Category

1980s Casual Dresses

1990s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Velvet Long Sleeve Flare Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black velvet Pierre Cardin haute couture flared dress. From the early 1990s
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1970 s Chanel Haute Couture Bouclé Coat/Dress
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Superb raspberry wool bouclé Chanel haute couture coat dress from the mid 1970's. Single breasted
Category

1970s French Topcoats

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Navy Blue Haute Couture Wool Wide Lapel Blazer
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Navy Blue Haute Couture Wool Wide Lapel Blazer
Category

1980s Blazers

1950S JAQUES FATH Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet Taffeta Strapless Bustier T
Located in New York, NY
1950S JAQUES FATH Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet & Taffeta Strapless Bustier Top
Category

1950s Bustiers

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Blue Tie-and-Dye Lace Dress
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture blue tie-and-dye lace dress. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR
Category

1990s Day Dresses

1980S GIVENCHY Navy Blue Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Low Cut Gown 1989
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Navy Blue Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Low Cut Gown 1989
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Teal Haute Couture Silk Satin Draped Strpless Gown
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Teal Haute Couture Silk Satin Draped Strpless Gown
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

Extraordinary Elsa Schiaparelli Haute Couture Evening Jacket
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
fashion artifacts from the french Haute Couture of the 1930's echo a time, pace and culture unrecognizable
Category

1930s French Jackets

S/S 1989 Guy Laroche Haute Couture Belted Green Silk Strapless Flare Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Guy Laroche Haute Couture strapless dress is crafted from vibrant green raw silk with a
Category

1980s French Mini Dresses

1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Cocktail Dress With
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Cocktail Dress With Sleeves
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

1980S GIVENCHY Floral Print Haute Couture Silk Summer Cocktail Dress With Poof
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Floral Print Haute Couture Silk Summer Cocktail Dress With Poof Sleeves
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress
Located in London, GB
Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII
Category

1940s French Formal Wear

Victorian Black White Haute Couture Silk Organdy 1880S Bustle Dress With Bead
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Black & White Haute Couture Silk Organdy 1880S Bustle Dress With Beaded Trim
Category

Early 1900s Day Dresses

S/S 1987 Givenchy Haute Couture Runway Yellow Black Bow Trumpet Flare Gown
By Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible yellow and black Givenchy Haute Couture gown, designed by one of the
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Pleated Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1974
By Marc Bohan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a long black chiffon pleated gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1974. The gown has
Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk trained evening gown with cape, fw 2003
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
▪ Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk evening gown ▪ Designed by Julien Macdonald ▪ Form-hugging
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Dior Attributed Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Bought alongside other labelled Dior haute couture pieces, we believe this elegant black velvet
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Black and Brown Silk Taffeta Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Feraud - (Made in France) Haute Couture black and brown silk taffeta dress sewn with lace. No
Category

1980s French Mini Dresses

1980S GIVENCHY Haute Couture Silk Poof Sleeved Ruffled Cocktail Dress With A
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Haute Couture Silk Poof Sleeved & Ruffled Cocktail Dress With A White Flower
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Ruffled Cocktail Dres
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Ruffled Cocktail Dress With Belt
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

1960S Champagne Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Ikat Printed Cocktail Dress From Joh
Located in New York, NY
1960S Champagne Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Ikat Printed Cocktail Dress From John Galliano's Archive
Category

1960s Cocktail Dresses

1960 s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Floral Printed Silk Gown No.158143
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture
Located in Studio City, CA
Early 1960's Pierre Balmain No. 158143 haute couture silk organza floral print gown with multi
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Lacroix Purple Silk Velvet Haute Couture Coat, Size 44FR
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Purple silk velvet Haute Couture coat. Size indicated 44FR
Category

1990s French Coats

Torrente Set of Top and Skirt Haute Couture, 2002
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 2002-2003 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Additional information
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Skirt Suits

Chanel Evening Dress Haute Couture with Blue Sequins, 2012
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
glass paste. No size indicated, it fits a 40FR. Piece with a Bolduc number. 2012 Spring-Summer Haute
Category

2010s Evening Gowns

1996 Runway Chanel Haute Couture Monochrome Evening Gown
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture show, held at the Ritz, Paris, in January of that year. It is a long sleeve version of
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture 1970s Burgundy Red Velvet Embellished Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Transport yourself to the opulent past with this striking Chanel vintage haute couture jacket
Category

1970s Jackets

1960S Peach Haute Couture Silk Blend Embroidered Indian Inspired Jacket Made In
Located in New York, NY
Jean Bouquin 1960S Peach Haute Couture Silk Blend Embroidered Indian Inspired Jacket Made In Paris
Category

1960s Jackets

Emanuel Ungaro set Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1979
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
, it fits a 36FR. 1979 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Emanuel
Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Blouse and Skirt Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Haute Couture set consisting of a black silk blouse and skirt
Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

1960s Haute Couture International Heavily Beaded Gown Size Medium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture International 1960s gown is an absolute stunner featuring immaculate beading
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

1980S MICHAEL NOVARESE Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Duster Covered In Excep
By Michael Novarese
Located in New York, NY
1980S MICHAEL NOVARESE Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Duster Covered In Exceptional Embroidery
Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950S CARVEN Amber Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Handwoven Floral Ikat Cocktail Dr
By Carven
Located in New York, NY
1950S CARVEN Amber Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Handwoven Floral Ikat Cocktail Dress Covered In
Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci Evening Dress Haute Couture with Black Gauffering Silk
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nina Ricci - (Made in France) Haute Couture evening dress made of black gauffering silk embroidered
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

1950S SERGE MATTA Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Jersey Entirely Hand Ruched
Located in New York, NY
Fully lined in rayon 1950S SERGE MATTA Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Jersey Entirely Hand
Category

1950s Casual Dresses

Chanel Haute Couture Orange Silk and Tweed Pleated Suit
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Haute Couture three-piece set consisting of a wool tweed jacket and skirt
Category

1990s French Twin Sets

MADELEINE DE RAUCH Black Haute Couture Silk Gazzar Passementrie Beaded Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
. MADELEINE DE RAUCH Black Haute Couture Silk Gazzar Passementrie Beaded Cocktail Dress With Cropped Bolero
Category

1920s Formal Gowns

Dior Haute Couture Velvet and Leather Beaded Jacket, 1980s
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully crafted haute couture jacket most likely by Gianfranco Ferre for Christian Dior circa
Category

20th Century Jackets

1970 s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Leather Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Yves Saint Laurent haute couture white leather belt with black leather design. Belt attaches
Category

1970s French Belts

Franck Sorbier skirt the healers song Haute couture Summer 2024
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
engraving printed on silk twill. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2024 Summer Haute Couture 'Le chant
Category

2010s French Puff Skirts

Chanel Suit of Jacket and Skirt Haute Couture, 1995
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
jersey skirt. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. 1995 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. Additional
Category

20th Century French Skirt Suits

Jean-Louis Scherrer Ivory Silk Dress Haute Couture, 1993
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
-Summer Haute Couture Collection. To be mentioned, a few threads are pulled out. Additional information
Category

20th Century French Maxi Dress

Givenchy Haute Couture 1970s Exaggerated Houndstooth Bishop Sleeve Vintage Dress
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 70s GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE exaggerated houndstooth bishop sleeve silk dress
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Patou Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Butterfly Pattern Dress
By Jean Patou
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean Patou Haute Couture (Ribbon 98734) - Silk chiffon dress trimmed with lurex and a butterfly
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses

1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Velvet Jewel Toque Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in Spain in 1895, Cristóbal Balenciaga is renowned as one of the masters of haute couture
Category

1950s French Hats

1960s Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Organza Blue Sheath Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960s Givenchy Haute Couture Blue Silk Linen Dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy. Sleeveless and
Category

1960s French Sheath Dresses

1960 Autumn/Winter Chanel Haute Couture Documented Lavender Tweed Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Gresham, OR
1960 Autumn/Winter Chanel Haute Couture Documented Lavender Tweed Skirt Suit: This breathtaking 2
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Dress Suit
By Nina Ricci
Located in Geneva, CH
A versatile piece of haute couture, this 60’s Nina Ricci dress suit can be worn as a set for a very
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

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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 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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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.