Protected by Law

Under French law, a fashion house can only be deemed haute couture if it produces 35 limited, hand sewn made-to-order day and evening pieces designed by at least a team of 15 full time employees. The title of haute couture is governed by the Chambre Syndicale who help organize the biannual presentations in Paris.

152 Years Young

British designer Charles Frederick Worth, often called the father of haute couture, was one of the first designers to ever present his collections in fashion show form. His custom made couture designs set the bar for those who followed in his footsteps.

Couture Clique

Only a select few can afford, and have access, to haute couture. When over 1,000 hours can be spent on a single embroidered gown, crafted by over 50 workers per dress, only a small group of about 500 women can actually afford to own these coveted pieces!

Guest Members

Giambattista Valli and Iris Van Herpen are the newest members of the couture clan, but as with many of the most exclusive clubs, they are only guests and cannot label their collections haute couture (One must be invited first).