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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

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Mohair Coat w/Fox Fur Trim
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Studio City, CA
A Christian Lacroix haute couture pink mohair coat from the late 1980s/early 1990s with a swing
Category

Late 20th Century French Coats and Outerwear

CHRISTIAN DIOR Boutique c.1990s Haute Couture Numbered Black Silk Sequin Bustier
By Christian Dior
Located in Thiensville, WI
Christian Dior Boutique c.1990's haute couture numbered (16923) black silk sequin bustier
Category

1990s French Bustiers

Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Evening Gown No.173.195
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Pierre Balmain haute couture No. 173.195 black silk chiffon halter neck evening gown with
Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Unlabeled Givenchy Haute Couture Copper Floral Silk Evening Coat Vintage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
the designer of this haute couture evening coat is unknown, it is likely he or she also sourced from
Category

20th Century French Coats and Outerwear

1992 S/S Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Striped Silk Gown No.67074
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
1992 S/S Yves Saint Laurent haute couture no.67074 silk strapless evening gown with vertical
Category

1990s French Shift Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2004 – Skirt by Tom Ford
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2004 – Skirt by Tom Ford Italy • Excellent condition
Category

Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts

Chanel Haute Couture Veste Or FR38 circa 1990 Golden Silk Tweed Jacket UK10 US6
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Haute Couture jacket circa 1990 in pink and yellow silk tweed, black wool threads, and gold
Category

1990s French Blazers

1960s Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Marigold Yellow Silk Satin Tiered Petal Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1960s, this tiered Balmain Haute Couture asymmetrical gown is constructed entirely of
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Givenchy Haute Couture 1980s Vintage Black White Polka Dot Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Jersey City, NJ
vintage condition with no notable flaws. This piece has been altered. As with all Haute Couture garments
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

A Maggy Rouff Haute Couture black satin and velvet Evening Dress, Circa 1935
By Maggy Rouff
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935 France Haute Couture Evening Dress Haute Couture Maggy Rouff in black satin and velvet
Category

1930s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

Jean Louis Scherrer haute couture black polka dots sheer evening gown, f/w 2005
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in London, GB
Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture Autum / Winter 2005 - Sheer polka dots silk
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Haute Couture Ivory Silk Taffeta Coat Dress With Cowl Neckline, 1990s
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld. This stunning coat dress will captivate as a ball
Category

1990s French Ball Gowns

2000S JEAN LOUIS SCHERRER HAUTE COUTURE Antique Silk Ball Gown
Located in New York, NY
SCHERRER HAUTE COUTURE Antique Silk Ball Gown
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

An Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Oversize Caban Coat Numbered 60623 C. 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture dating from the late 1980s. Provenance of the wardrobe of Madame Joy
Category

1980s French Opera Coats

Lanvin Haute Couture Black Velvet Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/Hanky Hem No.91366
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Studio City, CA
Ca. 1983 Lanvin haute couture black sleeveless cocktail dress featuring a velvet bodice with
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture Little Black Dress
By Jean-Louis Scherrer
Located in Geneva, CH
A quintessential "LBD", this lovely 60's Scherrer haute couture dinner/cocktail dress is ideal to
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1970s Navy Jersey Haute Couture Grecian Style Dress
Located in London, GB
piece. It is skilled work and has mostly been made by hands trained in haute couture techniques. The
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

Printed satin blouse by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture - France Circa 1980
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Evening blouse in printed silk satin by Pierre Balmain Haute Couture dating from
Category

1980s French Blouses

F/W 2005 Valentino Haute Couture Olive Green Silk Metal Embellished Runway Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible olive/sage green silk Valentino Haute Couture gown. From the Fall/Winter
Category

Early 2000s Italian Formal Gowns

A Polka Dots crepe cocktail dress by Chanel Haute Couture numbered 59644 C. 1975
By Chanel
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970-1980 France Chanel Haute Couture cocktail dress numbered 59644 dating from the 1970s
Category

1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

2017 Siah Howard Haute Couture Pink Maxi Dress
Located in London, GB
Siah Howard is a haute Couture fashion label established in London in 2017. An eveningwear and
Category

2010s British Evening Dresses

Chanel S/S 1963 Haute Couture Coco Wool Boucle Gilt Button Skirt Suit
By Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A rare and exquisitely preserved example of early 60's Chanel Haute Couture, this S/S 1963 two
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

A Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress Numbered 112776 Circa 1965
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1965/1970. France Elegant Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Cocktail Dress numbered 112776 Circa
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1950s Unlabelled Haute Couture Stiffened Tulle Chevron Pattern Dress
Located in London, GB
This 1950s haute couture dress reminds me of Pierre Balmain designs from the early 1950s although
Category

1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1980S MILA SCHON Blue White Haute Couture Silk Crepe De Chine Long Sleeve Ple
Located in New York, NY
MILA SCHON Blue & White Haute Couture Silk Crepe De Chine Long Sleeve Pleated Dress
Category

1980s Casual Dresses

Chanel SS 1993 Haute Couture Black Silk Jersey Bias-Cut Dress w/ Wool Crepe Coat
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This rare Chanel Haute Couture ensemble from Spring/Summer 1993, designed by Karl Lagerfeld
Category

1990s Italian Dress and Coat Ensembles

Ca. 1977 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Harem Dress w/Pagoda Sleeves
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
no size tag as the dress is haute couture - however, though the dress itself will fit a variety of
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 2006 Christian Dior Haute Couture by Galliano Gold Black Dress Jacket Set
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black and gold Christian Dior haute couture dress set, designed by John
Category

Early 2000s French Formal Gowns

Ungaro tulle dress Haute Couture
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
UNGARO - (Made in France) Embroidered midnight-blue tulle dress. Piece from the mid-1980s. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci skirt Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
NINA RICCI - 5Made in France) Brown silk satin skirt. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 34 cm - Length: 60 cm SKU:FJ220
Category

1990s French Puff Skirts

Louis Feraud set Haute Couture
By Louis Feraud
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
LOUIS FERAUD - (Made in France) Sequined wool set composed of a jumpsuit and a jacket. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimension...
Category

1990s French Jumpsuits

2014 Christian Dior Runway Haute Couture Navy High-Low Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This archival haute couture runway documented dress was designed by Raf Simons for Christian Dior
Category

2010s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci top Haute Couture
By Nina Ricci
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Bright-yellow silk top with drapery and a low neck. Pleated effect. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition...
Category

1990s French Chemises

Chanel silk set Haute Couture
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Silk muslin and silk set composed of a jacket, a dress, and a stole. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 40FR. Condition: Very good condition D...
Category

1970s French Skirt Suits

1950s Jean Dessès Haute Couture Silk Mulberry Silk Swing Jacket
By Jean Dessès
Located in London, GB
This rare haute couture 1950s silk mulberry swing jacket is by Paris fashion house Jean Dessès and
Category

1950s French Jackets

1960 s PIERRE BALMAIN haute COUTURE velvet dress with sheer lace detail
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black silk velvet haute couture dress with unique sheer floral lace sleeves and
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960 s PIERRE BALMAIN elaborately beaded silk and satin HAUTE COUTURE dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black silk satin and velvet haute couture dress with unique spiral design and
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Torrente bustier dress Haute Couture
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
TORRENTE - (Made in France) Black silk and silk muslin bustier dress printed with flowers. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
Category

Early 2000s French Babydoll Dresses

Torrente silk dress Haute Couture
By TORRENTE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
TORRENTE - Candied-chestnut-color silk dress. Brand and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 40 cm - Chest: 48 cm - Sleev...
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Dessès haute couture emerald and gold silk brocade evening dress, c. 1962
By Jean Dessès
Located in London, GB
Presenting an exquisite haute couture evening gown by the legendary Jean Dessès, a true marvel from
Category

1960s Greek Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Chanel Haute Couture Shocking Pink and Purple Boucle Suit
By Chanel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chanel Haute Couture boucle suit from the 1960s. Label and style number have been removed. The
Category

1960s French Skirt Suits

Haute Couture Vintage Dress, 1965
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Vintage dress made of navy-blue tulle ribbons layering. The waist is enhanced with a mounted belt decorated with a bow. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Co...
Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

1960 s Nina Ricci Haute Couture Red Wool Ensemble with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning 1960's Nina Ricci haute couture red wool dress and jacket ensemble with mink trimmed hem
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

1970s French Haute Couture Green and White Floral Dress
Located in London, GB
clearly been constructed by a talented seamstress, trained in haute couture and likely for a high end
Category

1970s French Casual Dresses

Chanel Haute Couture S/S 1979 Ivory Embellished Bow Evening Gown 2pcs Ensemble
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Exceptional two-piece Chanel Haute Couture ensemble from 1979, composed of a floor-length
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940 s HOUSE OF WORTH black wool haute couture dress
By House of Worth
Located in San Fransisco, CA
. Hand finished throughout as you would expect from a haute couture garment. Very good condition.
Category

1940s French Cocktail Dresses

2000 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture by Oscar de la Renta Navy Car Coat
By Oscar De La Renta, Pierre Balmain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous navy blue Pierre Balmain haute couture car coat, designed by Oscar de la
Category

Early 2000s French Car Coats

Christian Lacroix Haute-Couture Crimson Draped Silk Chiffon Gown, FW 1999
By Christian Lacroix
Located in London, GB
This Christian Lacroix dress from the Fall-Winter 1999 haute couture collection is an asymmetrical
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Mayela Haute Couture Italian Black Crème Modern Evening Dress Size 6-8
Located in Palm Desert, CA
will be wearing the same dress. One of a kind Mayela Haute Couture black silk chemise with crème silk
Category

1990s Italian Chemises

Special Order Vivienne Westwood Haute Couture Pink Taffeta Structured Skirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Sheffield, GB
Special Order Vivienne Westwood Haute Couture Pink Taffeta Structured Skirt circa 1994. A Superb
Category

1990s English Ruffled Skirts

F/W 1997 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Rhinestone Satin Appliqué Beaded Skirt
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Atelier Versace Haute Couture collection. Part of his last ever couture collection, this piece features
Category

1990s Italian Pencil Skirts

1960 s ANTONIO DEL CASTILLO haute couture black dress with patch pockets lace
By Antonio del Castillo
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black haute couture dress with Broderie anglaise lace trim and uniquely shaped patch pockets
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1958 EISA by CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA haute couture black boucle wool skirt suit
By Balenciaga, Eisa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet-black boucle wool haute couture suit designed by Cristobal Balenciaga for his Eisa
Category

1950s Spanish Jackets

1950 S BALMAIN Style Turquoise Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Embroidered Wi
Located in New York, NY
great French houses of the day such as Dior & Balenciaga. 1950'S BALMAIN Style Turquoise Haute Couture
Category

1950s Casual Dresses

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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 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 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 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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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.