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1960’s Haute Couture Silk Cocktail Dress
Located in Geneva, CH
A wonderful chic cocktail option, this unlabelled haute couture dress is made of a refined shade of
Category

1960s Unknown Shift Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Black Silk Pleated Dress - 4 - 1986
By Nina Ricci
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This gorgeous Nina Ricci haute couture dress is made of silk and is entirely pleated. It has thin
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Franck Sorbier dress Les révoltes barbares Haute Couture Summer 2025
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
'Symphonie Barbare' Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 41 cm
Category

2010s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Patou Haute Couture Velvet, Chiffon and Beads Couture Set
By Jean Patou
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean Patou Haute Couture - Jacket and pants set composed of velvet, chiffon and beads. Louis 40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Twin Sets

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Navy Blue and Pink Knit Set
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Unique vintage Chanel Haute Couture navy blue wool ribbed knit cardigan and skirt set. Very simple
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

Louis Féraud Haute Couture "Universal" Dress Spring/Summer show, 1991
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
corresponds to a 34FR/36FR. Pretty Woman" collection, "Universal" modem, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1991 show
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Emanuel Ungaro Veste FR38 Haute Couture embroided Purple silk Jacket UK10 US8
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in PARIS, FR
Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture jacket in purple silk crepe embroidered with pearls and threads, round
Category

1990s French Jackets

Evening coat by Jeanne Lanvin Haute Couture - Paris Winter Collection 1943
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Toulon, FR
Haute Couture, Winter 1943 collection. Powder pink coat called Rose Polignac in homage to her daughter
Category

1940s French Peignoirs

Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Cutout Open Back Long Train
Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Chiffon Cocktail Dress w/Ostrich Feather Trim
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A mid-1960s Pierre Cardin haute couture brown chiffon halter dress with neck bow and Ostrich
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Lacroix Patou Haute Couture "Joy" Jeweled Dress with Cape, 1985 / 1986
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Christian LaCroix Haute Couture for the House of Patou ... #24 "JOY" of the Fall/Winter 1985
Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses

F/W 1969 Christian Dior Haute Couture Red Wool Fur Collar Jacket
By Christian Dior, Marc Bohan
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous red Christian Dior Haute Couture coat designed by Marc Bohan. From the Fall
Category

1960s French Coats and Outerwear

Vintage Givenchy Haute Couture Black Wool Long Sleeve One Piece Romper Jumpsuit
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE black wool long sleeve one piece romper jumpsuit! Features soft
Category

Late 20th Century French Jumpsuits

Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Embellished Evening Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Embellished Black Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Atelier
Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Max Nugas Haute Couture Vintage Cerulean Blue Silk Shantung Jacket Coat, 1970s
By Max Nugus, Max Nugus Haute Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking vintage 90s MAX NUGAS HAUTE COUTURE Cerulean teal blue and white raw silk shantung trench
Category

1990s American Jackets

Valentino Haute Couture Floral Print Silk Chiffon Blouse Skirt Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino haute couture floral print silk chiffon blouse with flounced sleeves and skirt
Category

1970s Italian Day Dresses

1960s/70s Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Paneled Felt Hat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful orange-paneled Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture hat. From the 1960s-70s
Category

1960s French Hats

1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Orange Haute Couture Mohair Wool Coat Lined In Electric Bl
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in New York, NY
1980S EMANUEL UNGARO Orange Haute Couture Mohair Wool Coat Lined In Electric Blue
Category

1980s Coats

Louis Feraud Black Woollen Cloth Coat Haute Couture, 1978/1982
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
conical patterns. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Prototype piece from a fashion show. 1978/1982 Haute
Category

20th Century Coats

Jean-louis Scherrer Blue Crepe Strapless Dress Haute Couture 36FR
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean-Louis Scherrer - (Made in France) Blue crepe Haute Couture strapless dress embroidered with
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Givenchy Black Satin and Velvet Dress Haute Couture 34FR/36FR
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Givenchy - (Made in France) Black satin and velvet Haute Couture dress decorated with red hearts
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior John Galliano 2007 haute couture evening skirt with a train
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Christian Dior John Galliano 2007 haute couture evening skirt with a train John Galliano for
Category

Early 2000s French Skirts

Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Silk Coat in Black and Purple
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Franck Sorbier Haute Couture - Silk coat with overstitching and black-colored wings. Inséparable
Category

Early 2000s French Coats

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Top in Sequins and Pearl Bangs
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
LOUIS FÉRAUD -Haute Couture in sequins and pearl bangs. No size label, it fits a size 36FR. To note
Category

1980s French Blouses and Tops

1970S RETY OF PARIS Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Crystal Beaded Empire Wais
Located in New York, NY
1970S RETY OF PARIS Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Crystal Beaded Empire Waist Gown
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Merlot Haute Couture Silk Satin Draped Gown With Sash
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Merlot Haute Couture Silk Satin Draped Gown With Sash Belt
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

YVES SAINT-LAURENT Haute Couture 64534 Red Single Breasted Jacket Suit Vintage
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
YVES SAINT-LAURENT Haute Couture 64534 Red Single Breasted Jacket Suit Vintage Yves Saint-Laurent
Category

1980s Skirt Suits

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Lurex Matelassé Suit With V
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk & Lurex Matelassé Suit With Velvet Skirt
Category

1980s Dress and Coat Ensembles

RARE 1980s Ted Lapidus Paris Boutique Floral Haute Couture Dress
By Ted Lapidus
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1980s/90s hard to find Ted Lapidus haute couture floral dress! Floral printed cotton with
Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture set (attributed to) Circa 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1989 France Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture skirt and blouse set in red silk crepe and
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Louis Feraud Black and White Brocade Coat Haute Couture, 1980
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Haute Couture Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder
Category

20th Century Coats

HAUTE COUTURE INT L Gold and Black Beaded Gown with Opera Coat Size 6
By HAUTE COUTURE INT L
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture Int'l ensemble is composed of a beaded silk with floral motif in gold and black
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

S/S 1982 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Purple Double Breasted Jacket
By Pierre Cardin Couture, Pierre Cardin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible vibrant purple Pierre Cardin Haute Couture coat. From the Spring/Summer
Category

1980s French Jackets

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Navy Blue and White Nautical Dress, 1960s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and rare vintage 1960s YVES SAINT LAURENT HAUTE COUTURE navy blue and white numbered
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Edwardian Ivory Light Weight Silk Haute Couture Blouse With Mother-Of-Pearl But
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Ivory Light Weight Silk Haute Couture Blouse With Mother-Of-Pearl Buttons From Paris
Category

Early 1800s Blouses and Tops

1950S PAULA WHITNEY Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Amazing Ruffled Poof Ball
Located in New York, NY
Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Amazing Ruffled Poof Ball Skirt Cocktail Dress
Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Wool Crepe With Large Silk Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Wool Crepe With Large Silk Ottoman Bow Cocktail Dress
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior Haute Couture Black and White Dress, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a black and white long "sailor" style day dress by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1980
Category

1980s French Day Dresses

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Suede Embellished with Beads Set
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Feraud Haute Couture - Set comprised of a skirt and a jacket in suede and velvet, embellished
Category

1990s French Twin Sets

Yves Saint Laurent jacket Russian Ballet collection 1976 Haute Couture
Located in Carnate, IT
Yves Saint Laurent jacket Russian Ballet collection 1976 Haute Couture, numbered. In woolen cloth
Category

1970s Jackets

1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Velvet Brown Taffeta Bow Gown
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous black velvet Emanuel Ungaro haute couture gown was entirely made by hand. From the
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Mod Geometric Appliqué Shift Dress, 1980s
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mod Pierre Cardin Haute Couture 1980's does 1970's shift dress. Black patent leather triangles
Category

20th Century Evening Dresses

1980S GIVENCHY Electric Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown With Slit & Sash
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Long Blue Gown Provenance Betsy Bloomingdale 1988
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a long royal blue silk taffeta gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1988-89. The
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Balenciaga 1950s Haute Couture Numbered Black Silk Jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Balenciaga Paris Haute Couture Numbered
Category

1950s French Jackets

1950S MAGGY ROUFF Cream Pink Haute Couture Silk Chantilly Lace Fully Embroide
By Maggy Rouff
Located in New York, NY
Cream & Pink Haute Couture Silk Chantilly Lace Fully Embroidered Beaded Cocktail Dress
Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1998 Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano Black Woven Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, designed by John Galliano. From the
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1998 Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano Black Woven Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, designed by John Galliano. From the
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1930S Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bare Midriff Gown With Silver Lamé Deta
Located in New York, NY
1930S Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bare Midriff Gown With Silver Lamé Detailed Lattice Work
Category

1930s Casual Dresses

Jean Patou Organza and Silk Haute Couture Set, 1980s
By Jean Patou
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean Patou - Organza and silk Haute Couture set in pink tones composed of a top, a jacket, and a
Category

20th Century French Twin Sets

Ronald Van der kemp Haute Couture Dress, 2018
Located in Boca Raton, FL
bearer for haute couture.” Each of his RVDK haute couture creations are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces
Category

2010s Dutch Evening Dresses and Gowns

Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Haute Couture Metallic Lace Dress, FW 1998
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture
Located in London, GB
Strapless cocktail dress from Givenchy Haute Couture, Fall-Winter 1998, designed by Alexander
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990S Black Haute Couture Rayon Blend Cocktail Dress With Lace Bodice
Located in New York, NY
stitched together by hand with tiny stitches. This dress has the Couture label as well. 1990S Black Haute
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A circa 1967 Pierre Cardin haute couture green sequined silk crêpe cocktail dress that features a
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Polka Dot Chiffon Gown, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a sheer chiffon black and white polka dot gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1980
Category

1980s French Day Dresses

Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Gown Jacket Evening Ensemble No.155782/3
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture
Located in Studio City, CA
Mid-1960's Pierre Balmain haute couture No.155782 gown with a high waist and featuring a brown
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

2000S ATELIER VERSACE GIANNI Black Silk Chiffon Haute Couture Crystal Beaded G
By Atelier Versace
Located in New York, NY
. 2000S ATELIER VERSACE GIANNI Black Silk Chiffon Haute Couture Crystal Beaded Gown Embellished With
Category

Early 2000s Formal Gowns

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Haute Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary piece of haute couture you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Gray, Beige and more in stock now. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of haute couture may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Chanel are consistently popular. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Haute Couture?

The price for a piece of haute couture starts at $166 and tops out at $60,169, and on average, selling for $2,497.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About Haute Couture
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify haute couture, start by locating the brand label on your item. Once you know who produced it, you can check the official list of haute couture fashion houses published on the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode website to see if the maker is on the list. By law, only maisons that meet certain standards established by the Paris Chamber of Commerce can be considered haute couture. Find a wide variety of apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Why it's called couture is owed to the origin of the word. In French, couture means "dressmaking" or "sewing." The term fits couture fashion because it refers to pieces that are designed and tailored to order. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of apparel from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    In fashion, “haute couture” means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking." Haute couture is French and refers to the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces by an esteemed fashion designer or house for a particular client. 

    Haute couture garments such as dresses are pieces of clothing constructed by hand from start to finish and are made with the highest quality materials. They are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are some of fashion's universally revered haute couture houses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Haute couture is the name of custom-designed clothing that select fashion houses produce. To qualify as haute couture, a maker must receive certification from the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris. Each year, this chamber of commerce publishes a list of the current haute couture maisons. Shop a selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    The difference between couture and haute couture comes down to the regulations and laws of France. A couture fashion label is any label that produces made-to-order pieces for clients. To be accurately identified as haute couture, a couture maison must secure certification from the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris. Each year, this organization publishes a list of current haute couture fashion houses. Explore a large selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Yes, Versace is haute couture. The Italian fashion house is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which firms can operate with haute couture status.

    More than any designer before him, Gianni Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry "is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way."

    On 1stDibs, find vintage Versace clothing and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Haute couture is described as high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish and is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. ​​You can shop a variety of top fashion houses' haute couture designs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 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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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.