What is ‘Haute Couture’? This French word literary translates to ‘high dressmaking’ in English and is also known as ‘made-to-order.’ If you are a fashion nerd like me, you will surely be fascinated by this exclusive world (with only about 4000 clients worldwide!). Of course, there are some gray areas that we can’t really know unless we are in this very closed inner circle because it needs to be kept somewhat mysterious, am I not right? But today, I want to focus on what we know and made a little fact sheet for you!
Basis of Haute Couture
Haute Couture –
• has started by an Englishman named Charles Frederick Worth (a.k.a. Father of HC) in 1858.
• are designed by the world’s leading designers and handmade with extreme attention to detail by a team of most-skilled artisans and craftsmen, using high quality, expensive, and unusual fabric.
• is a legal term in France and governed by Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM).
Law of Haute Couture
Only the official Members approved by FHCM can call their collection ‘Haute Couture.
The brands submit applications to FHCM, specifically to their Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, get approved, and are invited to present the show during Paris Couture Week. There are certain known prerequisites that the members need to meet. (Not confirmed by FHCM but can be found in many articles written about HC!)
The houses –
• design made-to-order for private clients with more than one fitting.
• have an atelier (workshop) in Paris that employs 15 full-time staff and at least 20 full-time technical employees.
• present a collection of at least 50 original designs (both day and evening garments) twice a year (January & July) at the Paris Couture Week
Official Haute Couture Members (as of Summer 2023)
Adeline André, Alexandre Vauthier, Alexis Mabille, Bouchra Jarrar, Chanel, Christian Dior, Franck Sorbier, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Julien Fournié, Maison Margiela, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, Maurizio Galante, Schiaparelli, and Stéphane Rolland
Haute Couture Week
Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture also coordinates the schedule and events for Haute Couture Week. We featured some of the collections on our website and our Instagram page, and you may be wondering where other designers showed. Their collection during Couture Week is not on the list of members. This is because FHCM also grants other houses to present during Couture Week.
Corresponding Members
- Houses that are based in other cities create garments that are as extraordinary as the ‘member’ houses.
Current Corresponding Members includes Atélier Versace, Elie Saab, Fendi, Giorgio Armani Privé, Iris Van Herpen, Ulyana Sergeenko Valentino, and Viktor & Rolf.
Guest Members
- Brands are invited to showcase their collection during Couture Week. And after a few consecutive and successful seasons, they could be approved to be the official member. All the aspiring brands start here.
Current Guest Members include Aelis, Ashi Studio, Balenciaga, Charles De Vilmorin Christophe Josse, Gaurav Gupta, Georges Hobeika, Imane Ayissi, Juana Marín, Julie De Libran, Maison Sara Chraibi, Rahul Mishra, Robert Wun, Rvdk Ronald Van Der Kemp, Thom Browne, Yuima Nakazato, Zuhair Murad.
Future of Haute Couture
Despite all the regulations, tradition, and long history, the world of Haute Couture has been evolving constantly to adapt to the modern world. The organization is making an effort by promoting more sustainable fashion, encouraging diversity and inclusivity in employment, learning and introducing new technology, and supporting new talents by offering initiatives, such as training and education. Not only that, we have seen a change in the collections, such as a more simplified design and a wider choice of materials, like the most recent Valentino SS2023, where the denim was used in a big way. In the end, ‘fashion’ must always stay current.
Here you have it! My little fact sheet for Haute Couture. Hope you have learned something new. Or maybe you have something more to share with us, like you have been one of the lucky clients of Haute Couture! Please comment below!
