Definition & Meaning of "haute couture"

What is "haute couture"?

Haute couture refers to high-end fashion that is custom-made for individual clients using traditional and highly skilled techniques. The term "haute couture" is legally protected in France and can only be used by fashion houses that meet certain criteria, such as designing and producing made-to-measure garments in a Paris-based atelier and presenting their collections to a select group of clients each season. Haute couture garments are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of luxurious materials, and they often feature intricate hand-sewn embellishments and unique design elements. Due to the time, effort, and resources required to create haute couture fashion, it is often quite expensive and exclusive, and it is typically reserved for wealthy clients and special occasions.