Couture
French family name
Couture refers to the creation of custom-fitted, high-end clothing, often made by hand and designed for individual clients.
Originating in 19th-century Paris, couture houses like Worth and Chanel set the standard for intricate techniques such as hand embroidery, pleating, and draping.
Couture garments are typically constructed using luxurious fabrics and require multiple fittings to achieve precision.
The term is protected by French law, with “haute couture” reserved for members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
She wore a couture gown that took 200 hours to make.
Paved path for planes
- collectionGathered set of items
- designerOne who plans appearances
- ChanelFrench haute couture house
- DiorFrench luxury fashion house
Givenchy · Valentino · gown · Paris · fashion week · haute · lookbook · editorial
Fine woven insect fiber
- organzaSheer, crisp dress fabric
- tulleFine net fabric
- chiffonDelicate transparent textile
- satinGlossy-surfaced woven cloth
lace · taffeta · velvet · brocade · charmeuse · crepe · duchess · mikado
Creative professional's workspace
- seamstressOne who stitches garments
- handstitchedSewn without machinery
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- tailoringCustom clothing adjustment
dressmaker · fitting · muslin · toile · draping · embroidery · beading · pleating
Limited to one group
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- clienteleCollective body of customers
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- investmentDeploying capital for returns
prestige · opulent · lavish · extravagant · heirloom · one-of-a-kind · custom · private showing
runway
Paved path for planes
- collectionGathered set of items
- designerOne who plans appearances
- ChanelFrench haute couture house
Dior · Givenchy · Valentino · gown · Paris · fashion week · haute · lookbook · editorial · vogue
silk
Fine woven insect fiber
satin · lace · taffeta · velvet · brocade · charmeuse · crepe · duchess · mikado · sequins
atelier
Creative professional's workspace
- seamstressOne who stitches garments
- handstitchedSewn without machinery
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
tailoring · dressmaker · fitting · muslin · toile · draping · embroidery · beading · pleating · hemline
exclusive
Limited to one group
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- clienteleCollective body of customers
- commissionPayment for services rendered
investment · prestige · opulent · lavish · extravagant · heirloom · one-of-a-kind · custom · private showing · elite
Couturemass-produced
Made in large quantities
ready-to-wear · off-the-rack · prêt-à-porter · fast fashion · mass-market
Couturebargain bin
Discounted merchandise container
thrift store · Primark · knockoffs · fast fashion · low-end
Couturemass-produced
Made in large quantities
shoddy · utilitarian · no-frills · cookie-cutter · slipshod
- couture gownsCustom luxury formal dresses
- haute coutureCustom luxury dressmaking
- Juicy CoutureVelour tracksuit brand
- couture fashionCustom luxury garment creation
- bridal coutureLuxury wedding dress design