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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

Jean-Louis Scherrer Powder Pink Organza Long Dress Haute Couture 36FR
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
pearls. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. Haute Couture Collection from the 1980s. To be
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel dress Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Strap dress made of pink silk muslin crepe. 1981 Spring-Summer Collection. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. Piece sold with a certificate of c...
Category

1980s French Babydoll Day Dresses

Spring/Summer Haute Couture Silk Floral Matelessé Strapless Jumpsuit w Duster
Located in Gresham, OR
Spring/Summer Haute Couture Silk Floral Matelessé Strapless Jumpsuit w Duster: An unmarked Couture
Category

1980s French Jumpsuits

Rare Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Beaded Mini, 1969
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare and extraordinary Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Beaded Mini, 1969. Early extraordinary
Category

1960s French Mini Dress

Chanel SS-2022 Haute Couture Black Lurex Tweed Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the stunning Chanel SS-2022 Haute Couture Black Lurex Tweed Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Torrente Set of Dress and Bolero Jacket Haute Couture, 2003
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
a 34FR/36FR. 2003 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Collection. To be mentioned, the brand label is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Twin Sets

1980S GIVENCHY Black Blue Haute Couture Silk Jacquard Draped Cocktail Dress W
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
less than the ones with the labels. 1980S GIVENCHY Black & Blue Haute Couture Silk Jacquard Draped
Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Pierre Balmain (Attributed to) Haute Couture A-Line Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Geneva, CH
Late sixties wool and silk snakeskin like dress, attributed to Pierre Balmain haute couture. Lovely
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture 1970s Blue Jasmine White Navy Tweed Jacket Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A rare and highly collectible Chanel Haute Couture suit from the 1970s — the original ivory-and
Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

Chanel Haute Couture 1992 Black Wool Dress with Gold Hardware Front Slit
By Chanel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chanel Haute Couture 1992 Black Wool Dress with Gold Hardware & Front Slit This striking Chanel
Category

1990s Day Dresses

1962 Givenchy Haute Couture Black Angora Wool Skirt Suit
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
This documented Autumn / Winter 1962-1963 Hubert de Givenchy haute couture two-piece skirt suit is
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

ATELIER VERSACE Multicolor Beaded Evening Mermaid Haute Couture Gown Heels 39
By Atelier Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Just breathtaking - a rare ATELIER VERSACE Evening Gown An amazing Haute Couture Piece Seen on
Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

1980s Andre Laug Haute Couture Monochrome Sequin Dress
By André Laug
Located in London, GB
own, he ran a successful haute couture and ready to wear fashion house in Rome from the 1970s until
Category

1970s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Guy Laroche Haute Couture Silk Heraldic Print Dress Suit
By Guy Laroche
Located in London, GB
This stand-out, early to mid 1960s two-piece haute couture ensemble is by Guy Laroche and the
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1990 YVES SAINT LAURENT haute couture floral silk mousseline RUNWAY dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, floral-printed, silk mousseline, haute couture dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent
Category

Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1930S MME JEANNE Baby Blue Haute Couture Silk Satin Art Deco Seamed Gown From L
Located in New York, NY
1930S MME JEANNE Baby Blue Haute Couture Silk Satin Art Deco Seamed Gown From La Rochelle France
Category

1930s Formal Gowns

F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Studded Black Wool Blazer Jacket
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
for the Fall/Winter 1991 Haute Couture collection. This beautifully crafted, custom handmade jacket
Category

1990s Italian Jackets

1960 Joui Schiesser Haute Couture Red Silk Gazar Gown w Feathered Bell Sleeves
Located in Gresham, OR
1960 Joui Schiesser Haute Couture Red Silk Gazar Gown w Feathered Bell Sleeves. A-line silhouette
Category

1960s German Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950 s LUCILE MANGUIN haute couture silk apron dress and jacket
By Lucile Manguin
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare haute couture dress and jacket made of floral silk designed by Lucile Manguin dating to
Category

1950s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture SS1997 White Ecru Black Raspberry Tweed Jacket Suit
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
The Chanel Haute Couture suit from the Spring 1997 collection is a remarkable piece of fashion that
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Guy Laroche Haute Couture Silk Dress, Spring-Summer 1967
By Guy Laroche
Located in Geneva, CH
A fantastic piece of haute couture, this Guy Laroche dress is perfect for either daytime events or
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Madame Grès Haute Couture 1956 Pleated Chartreuse Yellow Jersey Hellenic Gown
By Madame Gres
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A true relic of 20th-century fashion history, this original Madame Grès Haute Couture gown from
Category

1950s French Delphos Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture 2pc Black Gown w/Shawl, Betsy Bloomingdale 1970s
By Marc Bohan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 2pc black gown with a matching shawl by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from the 1970's
Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Embellished Suede Ensemble, FW 1984
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Three-piece ensemble from Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture, Fall-Winter 1984, consisting of a
Category

1980s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Magenta and Green Dress and Jacket Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Absolutely stunning and vibrant magenta and green tweed Chanel Haute Couture dress and jacket
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

1990s Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Cardinal Red Crushed Velvet Caftan w Jewel Cuff
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Paco Rabanne Haute Couture Cardinal Red Crushed Velvet Caftan w Jeweled Chainlink Cuffs: A
Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Gold and Brown Jacket and Dress Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Fabulous 1960s Chanel Haute Couture jacket and dress ensemble crafted from a gold, sage green and
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Dress in Red Silk with Silk Lining, 1995
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture dress in red silk, with a silk lining. No size indicated, it fits
Category

20th Century Mini Dress

Jean-louis Scherrer Black and White Organza Dress Haute Couture 34FR/36FR
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean-Louis Scherrer - (Made in France) Black and white organza Haute Couture dress. Black satin
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Satin Dress Embroidered with Mother of Pearl Buttons
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Woman" Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1991. Additional information: Dimensions: Chest: 30 cm, Waist: 30
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Ruffled Blouse, Spring-Summer 1993
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Based on the 1993 YSL Spring-Summer haute couture collection, this bright floral printed blouse is
Category

1990s French Blouses and Tops

Chanel Haute Couture Set of Blouse with Crepe Skirt, 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
. Numbered label n° 72264 and 72265. 1994/1995 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collection. Additional information
Category

1990s French Twin Sets

Givenchy Haute Couture Black Silk Embroidered Gown With Fringe Detail No 57292
By Givenchy
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Givenchy haute couture black chiffon embroidered gown featuring macrame fringe detail and
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

SWEE LO HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL Ivory Iridescent Cocktail Dress Size 8 10
By SWEE LO
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Haute Couture International cocktail dress is composed of an off white silk with iridescent
Category

1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

Rare Chanel Haute Couture F/W 1995 Green Bianchini Silk Lesage Beaded Dress
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A rare Chanel Haute Couture dress from Karl Lagerfeld’s Autumn/Winter 1995–1996 collection - an
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Andre Courreges Haute Couture Mod Pink Wool Dress
By André Courrèges
Located in New York, NY
Andre Courreges Haute Couture Mod pale pink wool appliqued dress, mid 1960s. Utilizing signature
Category

1960s French Day Dresses

1980’s Chanel Haute Couture Royal Blue Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic 1980's Chanel Haute Couture skirt suit in royal blue bouclé diamond pattern wool. Jacket is
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Pink and Charcoal Grey Houndstooth 3 pc. Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very smart Chanel Haute Couture pink and charcoal grey houndstooth tweed ensemble from the 1960s
Category

1960s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Vintage Taupe Bronze Metallic Fitted Skirt Suit Sz 36
By Ted Lapidus, Ted Lapidus Haute Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage TED LAPIDUS Haute Couture taupe / bronze and black silk metallic brocade two
Category

1980s French Skirt Suits

Valentino Haute Couture Set Composed of a Taffeta Top Embroidered with Sequins
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Haute Couture set composed of a taffeta top embroidered with sequins and a long black
Category

20th Century Blouses and Tops

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture White Bouclé Corseted Skirt Suit, ss 2014
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Chanel Haute Couture Ensemble ▪ Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Haute Couture
Category

2010s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

F/W 1978 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Purple Lesage Embroidery Floral Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a truly incredible purple velvet Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture evening jacket
Category

1970s French Jackets

PIERRE CARDIN Haute Couture c.1990 s Navy Blue Wool Pencil Skirt
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Thiensville, WI
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture c.1990's classic navy blue pencil skirt. Banded waistline with four
Category

1990s French Pencil Skirts

SWEE LO HAUTE COUTURE INTERNATIONAL 1960 s Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 10
By SWEE LO
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Swee Lo for Haute Couture International dress is composed of a black and white beaded silk
Category

1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

1960s Givenchy Haute Couture Black Satin Lace Sleeve A-Line Gown
By Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Givenchy Haute Couture gown from the 1960s is handmade for a custom order in black satin with
Category

1960s French Evening Gowns

Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Amber Beaded Halter Gown c. 1969–early 1970s
By Givenchy
Located in Kingston, NY
A museum‑grade haute couture gown by Hubert de Givenchy, featuring a shimmering amber‑toned sequin
Category

1960s French Evening Gowns

1990S HERVE LEGER Bubble Gum Pink Haute Couture Rayon Blend Bandage Cocktail Dr
By Herve Léger
Located in New York, NY
Bubble Gum Pink Haute Couture Rayon Blend Bandage Cocktail Dress
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Claude Riha 1980s Robe FR36 Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress Gown UK8 US6
Located in PARIS, FR
Claude Riha Haute Couture dress from the 1980s, the top in silk velvet embroidered with mobile
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Balenciaga Haute Couture Moiré Cocktail Dress, Spring-Summer 1963
By Balenciaga
Located in Geneva, CH
This lovely haute couture watered (moiré) silk taffeta dinner/cocktail dress is the ideal "Little
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Hubert de Givenchy Haute Couture Amber‑Sequin Halter Gown c. 1969–early 1970s
By Givenchy
Located in Kingston, NY
A museum‑grade haute couture gown by Hubert de Givenchy, featuring a shimmering amber‑toned sequin
Category

1960s French Evening Gowns

Museum Chanel 1964 Haute Couture Coco Gabrielle Ecru Tweed Gold Lion Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An iconic piece of fashion history - this Chanel Haute Couture jacket from 1964 is one of the most
Category

1960s French Jackets

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Silk Top and Wool Crepe Skirt Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture (Made in France)Set comprised of a silk top and a black wool crepe
Category

1990s French Twin Sets

Chanel 1997 Ceinture T70 Gripoix Haute Couture Mesh and Glass Belt US28
By Maison Gripoix, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel belt PE 1997 Haute Couture collection by (Victoire de Castellane and) Gripoix in gold metal
Category

1990s French Belts

Paco Rabanne Haute Couture yellow ostrich feather mini dress, ss 1967
By Paco Rabanne
Located in London, GB
▪ Paco Rabanne Haute Couture mini dress ▪ Museum piece ▪ Constructed from a latticework or
Category

1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s French Haute Couture Cream Lace Bustier Dress
Located in London, GB
This French haute couture 1950s cream lace bustier dress hugs the female silhouette to perfection
Category

1950s French Wedding Dresses

Nina Ricci Haute Couture Set of Dress, Belt and Printed Silk Jacket
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nina Ricci - Haute Couture set consisting of a dress, belt and printed silk jacket. No composition
Category

1970s Jackets

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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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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.