ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAUTE COUTURE

THE DEFINITION OF HAUTE COUTURE? 

Haute Couture is like Champagne, an “appellation contrôlée” as the French say, which means that the name’s use is rigidly defined, strictly controlled and legally protected since 1945. This means that only fashion brands that have been granted the designation by the French Ministry of Industry can actually use it (though plenty of brands are using the term .rather liberally)

The brands that enjoy the Haute Couture label are reviewed annually and judged on whether they create made-to-order dresses and other garments for private clients, whether they have an atelier in Paris employing at least 15 people and whether they are presenting collections twice a year with a minimum number of outfits.

WHICH BRANDS CAN USE THE LABEL HAUTE COUTURE?

There are currently 16 grand couturiers: Adeline André, Alexandre Vauthier, Alexis Mabille, Bouchra Jarrar, Chanel, Christian Dior, Frank Sorbier, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Julien Fournié, Maison Margiela, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, Maurizio Galante, Schiaparelli, Stéphane Rolland.

The Chambre Syndicale also count eight corresponding (or foreign) members: Atelier Versace, Elie Saab, Fendi Couture, Giorgio Armani Privé, Iris Van Herpen, Ulyana Sergeenko, Valentino, and Viktor & Rolf.

Each year, the Fédération Française de la Couture also invites “guest members” to present during the two annual couture weeks.

HOW MUCH CRAFTSMANSHIP GOES INTO A HAUTE COUTURE PIECE?

It will depend on the level of embellishment but some pieces can take upwards of 700 hours to create, as each is hand sewn. 

HOW MUCH DOES A COUTURE DRESS COST?

It really depends on the level of embellishment. Day wear usually starts at around $25,000, though it does depend on the brand [Chanel Haute Couture generally costs between $40,000-80,000], while bridal can easily cost $100,000-250,00, depending on the embroideries.

WHEN ARE THE COUTURE PRESENTATIONS?

The couture shows occur twice a year in Paris. In 2024, the presentations will take place between January 22-25 and June 24-27.

HOW LONG YOU BEEN HAVE WRITING ABOUT COUTURE?

I attended my first couture show in 2012 and have attended nearly every seasons since then.

YOU ALSO TALK ABOUT ABOUT NON-COUTURE BRANDS?

Yes, over the years, I've discovered many brands in Asia and the Middle East that are not "haute couture" as defined by the Chambre Syndicale, but are still offering a very high-level of craftsmanship and customisation. Some of them, like Guo Pei, have since become regular invited members!.

DO YOU SELL COUTURE PIECES?

No.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me using the contact form.