Everyone has heard the term “Haute Couture” a million times in their lifetime, but how many did actually know what it refers to? There are many people who use the term “Haute Couture” improperly, which is why we want to set it straight today with this article. Here are some things you probably didn’t know about Haute Couture, but don’t worry, you will find them out in a few moments!

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Haute Couture is: “noun ˌōt-ku̇-ˈtu̇r, the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women; also : the fashions created”. A Valentino Haute Couture creation

The term “haute couture” is French. Haute means “high” or “elegant.” Couture literally means “sewing” .

The term was used for the first time in 1908.

Not anyone can be an Haute Couture designer, or sell their clothes as such. To be a haute couture house, a business must be part of the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry.

In this union, there are about 18 members. Some of the most renowned are Chanel, Christian Dior, Maison Martin Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier and Givenchy.

To make an Haute Couture dress it takes from 100 to 400 hours.

An Haute Couture suit can cost up to $60,000, while a dress can go up to $100,000.

Couture clothes are made out of highly expensive fabrics such as expensive silks, fine wools, cashmeres, cottons, linens, leather, suede, other skins or furs.

Sometimes a certain fabric is reserved for just one fashion house.

There are only 2000 women who buy couture today, 60% of which are American. There are only 200 people who are regular customers.

However, we can often see Couture clothes worn by famous people. They don’t buy them, but get these clothes as a loan, s o they advertise for the house’s mainstream products such as perfume.