Skip to main content

Haute Couture

to
224
5
14
4,035
954
7
8
47
84
74
447
708
764
810
776
1
4,615
380
12
545
504
489
283
143
2,592
1,908
3,860
3,093
596
276
274
Sort By
Rochas Haute Couture Dress and Bolero in Organza and Yellow Guipure
By Rochas
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rochas - Haute Couture dress and bolero in organza and yellow guipure. Spring-Summer 1992
Category

1990s Skirt Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall 1981 Grey Wool Skirt Suit Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture two-piece skirt suit from the Fall 1981 collection. This ensemble
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1988 Red Gold Chain Dress
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Take a look at this special Haute Couture dress from Chanel 1988 Fall/Winter collection by Karl
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Black Blue Haute Couture Silk Organza Beaded Trained Gow
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Gown is missing label and is priced accordingly. True Haute Couture construction fully boned and
Category

1950s French Evening Gowns

1961 Chanel Haute Couture Top Vogue and Elle Covers
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
1961 Very rare Haute Couture Chanel silk top featuring back snap opening, with decorative buttons
Category

1960s French Blouses

Jean-Louis Scherrer Silk Muslin Dress Haute Couture 34FR/36FR
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ascot tie is included. Bodice with tiny flounces. Haute Couture piece from the 1980s. Size and
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen metallic leather pants, fw 2000
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in London, GB
▪ Givenchy Haute Couture leather pants ▪ Designed by Alexander McQueen ▪ Leather with metallic
Category

1990s French Pants

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Grecian Drape Dress Gown 1997-1998
By Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
runway Haute Couture Collection circa 1997-98. With inspiration in style and color from the designer's
Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Chanel Dress Haute Couture Off-White Silk Sleeveless Dress, circa 1978
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. 1978 circa Haute Couture Collection. Additional information
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Dress in Dark Red Wild Silk
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Haute Couture dress in dark red wild silk. No size or
Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

Chanel Haute Couture Silk Trompe l oiel Tweed Suit
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
pale pink silk marquisette lining and signature weight chain on hem. "Chanel" haute couture label
Category

1960s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Numbered Courreges Haute Couture Trousers Suit Ensemble
By André Courrèges, Courrèges
Located in Geneva, CH
This ultra chic late 60’s - early 70’s haute couture Courrèges ensemble, is made up of a fitted
Category

1970s French Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1988 Red Gold Chain Dress
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This vintage Chanel Haute Couture dress from Fall/Winter 1988 is a striking red piece with a
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1950S Black White Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Lace Sexy Fitted Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
tissue silk. No boning. 1950S Black & White Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Lace Sexy Fitted Cocktail
Category

1950s Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Rhinestone Bow Backless Décolleté Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunningly sensual black haute couture evening gown was designed by one of the true masters of
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Embellished Sheer Cutout Mini Dress IT 42
Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Dress
By Jaques Heim
Located in London, GB
Outstanding haute couture chiffon column dress by Jacques Heim circa 1958 -1963. A timeless
Category

1950s French Formal Gowns

1990S NINA RICCI Lime Green Ombré Silk Faille Haute Couture Shorts Bar Top Dr
Located in New York, NY
1990S NINA RICCI Lime Green Ombré Silk Faille Haute Couture Shorts & Bar Top Dress
Category

1990s Casual Dresses

1980 S JAMES GALANOS Haute Couture Magenta Silk Blue Lurex Skirt Suit With Be
By James Galanos
Located in New York, NY
1980'S JAMES GALANOS Haute Couture Magenta Silk & Blue Lurex Skirt Suit With Belt
Category

1980s Twin Sets

Louis Féraud Dress and Pants Haute Couture Fall, 1982/83
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Féraud - Haute Couture set composed of a dress and pants in lamé embroidered with sequins
Category

20th Century French Twin Sets

Givenchy Haute Couture Gown 1995 Spectacular Silk Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Berlin, BE
GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE 1995 gown, numbered archival piece This breathtaking evening gown is a
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Lacroix Robe Haute Couture Dress in Brown Linen and Golden Embroidery
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Robe Haute Couture dress in brown linen and golden embroidery. No size
Category

1990s Evening Dresses

1990S YVES SAINT LAURENT Brown Haute Couture Linen 3/4 Length Jacket With Wood
Located in New York, NY
1990S YVES SAINT LAURENT Brown Haute Couture Linen 3/4 Length Jacket With Wood Buttons
Category

1990s Jackets

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Copper Tweed Jacket and Dress Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel Haute Couture jacket and dress ensemble from the 1960s. A beautiful combination of tweed in
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

1930S Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bias Cut Blouse With Hand Done Art-Deco
Located in New York, NY
1930S Ivory Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bias Cut Blouse With Hand Done Art-Deco Pintucks
Category

1930s Blouses

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless Gown
Located in New York, NY
Musee de Yves Saint Laurent Paris. 1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue & Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Cream Blouse Skirt Set, Betsy Bloomingdale 1988
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a cream blouse and skirt set by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1988. The blouse and
Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

Vintage Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Black Velvet Mother of Pearl Buttons Jacket
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Frank Sorbier Haute Couture black velvet jacket. - Featuring embedded Mother of
Category

1990s French Dinner Jackets

Valentino Haute Couture Cotton Guipure Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
A ravishing and romantic piece of Valentino haute couture dating from the 70's. The short sleeved
Category

1970s Italian Maxi Dresses

Givenchy Haute Couture 1971 Chartreuse Green Silk Evening Coat
By Givenchy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This vintage Givenchy numbered haute couture silk evening coat is from the Spring 1971/72
Category

1970s French Coats and Outerwear

1980S ANDRE LAUG Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress In Shades Of Blues W
By André Laug
Located in New York, NY
1980S ANDRE LAUG Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress In Shades Of Blues With Sheer Sleeves
Category

1980s Italian Day Dresses

1960 s PIERRE BALMAIN black velvet HAUTE COUTURE dress with rhinestones
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A Pierre Balmain haute couture halter dress made from black velvet with a small, raised triangular
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture silk evening dress with feather trim, fw 1969
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Presenting an exceptional Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture evening gown from the autumn-winter
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Dress 1980s
By Ted Lapidus, Ted Lapidus Haute Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Ted Lapidus. It has long sleeves, a stand up collar and light shoulder padding. There is a beautiful design in silver and white sequins outlined in...
Category

1980s French Day Dresses

Ocimar Versolato haute couture light grey wool evening pant suit, fw 1998
By Ocimar Versolato
Located in London, GB
Presenting a rare and exceptional piece from Ocimar Versolato's Autumn-Winter 1998 haute couture
Category

1990s French Trouser Pant Suits

1980S CHANEL Navy Blue Haute Couture Cashmere Blend Boiled Wool 3/4 Length Coat
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
1980S CHANEL Navy Blue Haute Couture Cashmere Blend Boiled Wool 3/4 Length Coat & Pencil Skirt Suit
Category

1980s Twin Sets

Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Black Embroidered Mother of Pearl Button Maxi Dress
By Franck Sorbier
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Frank Sorbier haute couture black embroidered mother of pearls button maxi dress
Category

1990s French Maxi Dress

Jean Dessès 50s Haute Couture Satin Duchesse Princess Coat / Dress
Located in Geneva, CH
Rare and lovely haute couture 50’s lilac satin duchesse coat / dress. Fits approx. : US 2-6
Category

1950s French Opera Coats

Chanel 1985s Jupe Drapé Noir FR38 Haute Couture Black Wool Crepe Fold UK10 US8
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Haute Couture skirt circa 1985 in black wool crepe, high-waisted with a zip and hook closure
Category

1980s French Skirts

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2011 Haute Couture Ombre Feather Men s Skirt (FR 50)
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2011 Haute Couture Ombre Feather Men's Skirt (FR 50) An extraordinary and
Category

2010s Skirts

Christian Dior Haute Couture cream silk two piece dress and wrap skirt, fw 1978
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior: Haute Couture by Marc Bohan cream silk two piece, slip dress and flounced wrap
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Matrix Collection Skirt Automne Hiver 1999-2000
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Unique waxed cotton and leather "skirt" by John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture. The
Category

Late 20th Century French Skirts

2000S HERVE LEGER Mint Green Haute Couture Rayon Blend Original Bandage Cocktai
By Herve Léger
Located in New York, NY
Mint Green Haute Couture Rayon Blend Original Bandage Cocktail Dress
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

1990S HERVE LEGER Burgundy Haute Couture Rayon Blend High Neck Bandage Cocktail
By Herve Léger
Located in New York, NY
Burgundy Haute Couture Rayon Blend High Neck Bandage Cocktail Dress
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Louis Feraud Haute Couture Geometrical Pattern Cepe Set, 1980 s
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
fits a 36FR. To be mentioned, the belt is worn inside. 1980 Circa Haute Couture Collection. Additional
Category

1980s Twin Sets

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Set Composed of Black Jacket and Brooch
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture set composed of a black jacket and a green silk bow-shaped brooch
Category

1990s French Jackets

Torrente Haute Couture Silk and Embellished with Sequins Set
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Torrente Defile (Haute couture) Set comprised of a pair of high rise trousers and a long coat with
Category

1960s French Twin Sets

Ungaro set Haute Couture
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
UNGARO - (Made in France) Navy-blue silk muslin set composed of a crossed top and double pants. Pearl embroidery. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Ver...
Category

1990s French Trouser Pant Suits

Chanel belt Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Openwork golden metal belt with red glass paste pearls. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 70 cm SKU:CCB72
Category

1950s French Belts

1974 Christian Dior Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Pleated Dress No.00299I
By Christian Dior
Located in Studio City, CA
1974 A/H Christian Dior haute couture black silk chiffon pleated dress with ruffled neck, sleeves
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1987 Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Runway Sheer Embroidered Ruffle Gown
By Paco Rabanne
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black and multicolor Paco Rabanne Haute Couture gown. From the Spring
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

F/W 2007 Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano Black Velvet Beaded Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black velvet Christian Dior Haute Couture midi dress, designed by John Galliano. From
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Atelier Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1996 Embellished Sheer Evening Dress
By Atelier Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Atelier Gianni Versace Haute Couture F/W 1996 Custom Made Embellished Sheer Black Evening Dress
Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel skirt Haute Couture
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - Short black silk skirt. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 32 cm - Hips: 45 cm - Length: 52 cm SKU:FJ1
Category

Early 2000s French Puff Skirts

Guy Laroche Haute Couture Dress in Black Silk Velvet, Pearls and Strass
By Guy Laroche
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Guy Laroche - Haute Couture dress in black silk velvet, pearls and strass. Silk crepe lining. No
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Casual Dresses

Skirt suit by Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Haute Couture Circa 1995
By Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990-1995 France Haute couture skirt suit by Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior dating from
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

2013 Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Burgundy Tunic Trouser Suit
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
This velvet trouser suit was commissioned from the Fall 2013 Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture
Category

2010s French Trouser Pant Suits

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

Haute Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

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

How Much is a Haute Couture?

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

Finding the Right Clothing for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    On 1stDibs, find vintage Versace clothing and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Haute couture is described as high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish and is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. ​​You can shop a variety of top fashion houses' haute couture designs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    A haute couture dress is dress is a dress that was made by an esteemed haute couture designer. Dresses created by haute couture houses are constructed by hand from start to finish. They’re made of the finest materials and are individually tailored to meet the needs of a specific client.

    Haute couture garments are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are examples of universally revered haute couture houses.

    Find haute couture dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Yes, Dior is haute couture.

    The French luxury fashion house Christian Dior is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which maisons can operate with haute couture status.

    When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.

    On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Dior apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    Yes, Balmain is haute couture. The term haute couture refers to high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish. The world of haute couture is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France.

    Fashion designer Pierre Balmain established his now-iconic label in 1945. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim.

    From the dresses favored by Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich to the sleek, skinny jeans seen on Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and every Kardashian, clothes from the House of Balmain have long been mainstays in celebrity wardrobes. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Whether Mugler is haute couture may vary from year to year. This is due to the fact that the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode updates its list of haute couture fashion houses annually. Generally, the French luxury fashion house founded by Thierry Mugler has regularly appeared on the list of official haute couture fashion houses. Explore a variety of Mugler apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    To tell if something is haute couture, first look for a size tag. Haute couture is custom-made for the purchaser, eliminating the need for a size tag. Every inch of a haute couture item will be flawless as well. Imperfections like misaligned or uneven stitches, poor-quality fabrics or cheaply made zippers and buttons are a sign that a piece isn't haute couture. You can also consult the list of haute couture fashion houses published by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode every year. The list is accessible on the organization's website. Explore a wide variety of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    Yes, Louis Vuitton is haute couture. The iconic French luxury brand is a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body of haute couture as an art form.

    Founded in 1868 as the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and renamed FHCM in 2017, the organization has around 100 members — and Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), sits on its executive committee. "Haute couture" is a legal term that, literally translated, means "high sewing" and refers to innovative, hand-crafted garments created for private clients and presented to the public every January and July.

    Find vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
    Worth, the father of haute couture, is Charles Frederick Worth. In 1858, he established the House of Worth in Paris and began creating custom-made dresses for celebrities like Sarah Bernhardt and Jenny Lind and elites of fashion. By the 1870s, he was widely known throughout Europe, and many now consider him the first truly successful fashion designer. Explore a wide variety of apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between luxury and haute couture relates to exclusivity. Luxury is a general term for items made from fine materials and with meticulous crafting techniques that maximize quality, allowing them to be sold for high prices. Makers that produce these items are luxury brands. To be called haute couture, a brand must meet the strict requirements of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Each year, its commission, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, publishes a list of haute couture fashion houses. Explore a collection of luxury apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    The difference between high fashion and haute couture comes down to official recognition. For its pieces to be legally called haute couture, a fashion house must meet the standards set forth by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris, which publishes a list of haute couture labels every year. High fashion is a general term for pieces designed and tailored to order that sell at aspirational price points. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    The difference between ready-to-wear and haute couture comes down to availability and pricing as well as whether or not the brand in question can assert haute couture status (this denomination is protected by law). Haute couture garments are crafted by maisons that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Haute couture items are custom-made and individually tailored to fit the wearer. As a result, they sell for very high prices. Fashion houses produce ready-to-wear apparel on a much larger scale in a range of predetermined sizes and sell it at lower price points. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    The difference between prêt-à-porter and haute couture is availability and average price points. Also called ready-to-wear, prêt-à-porter is the term for apparel available for purchase in stores in various sizes. Haute couture pieces are custom-made to fit the wearer's body size and type, as well as their tastes. As a result, haute couture fashion tends to cost significantly more and its pieces are one-of-a-kind. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of apparel and accessories.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.