Skip to main content

Italian Haute Couture

to
23
137
122
160
111
110
44
43
31
28
26
23
18
13
1
77
23
18
9
8
Sort By
1950S FERCIONI Pink & Purple Haute Couture Silk Beaded One Shoulder Cocktail Dr
Located in New York, NY
Italian Haute Couture at its finest. Fully hand finished and beaded with crystal feathers. Internal
Category

1950s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Audrey Hepburn Flowers - the movie star and icon dressed in pink haute couture
By Norman Parkinson
Located in Vienna, AT
), Haute Couture Vintage. The artwork is made and signed in a strictly limited edition. High-end frame and
Category

1950s Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

1998 Valentino Haute Couture Cashmere and Leather Embellished Jumper
By Valentino Couture
Located in London, GB
/ 1999 Haute Couture collection. The hand-written label inside the hem states "MOD 70" and the years
Category

1990s Italian Pullovers

1980s Andre Laug Couture Multi-Coloured Sequinned Dress
By André Laug
Located in London, GB
This 1980s Italian haute couture / alta moda design from Andre Laug appears to be the runway worn
Category

1980s British Evening Gowns

Versace Haute Couture Sequins Dress 42
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Magnificent Versace cocktail dress Originally priced € 5000 (5900 US$) Haute couture Mixed fabric
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

1980s Barberini Haute Couture Black Beaded Dress
Located in Capri, IT
1980s Barberini Haute Couture Black Dress embellished with beads totally handmade in italy
Category

1970s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Versace Haute couture sequins dress size 42
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Haute couture Mixed fabric Black and green color Finely worked sequins inserts Lateral zip closure
Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses

Valentino Haute Couture Pin-Striped Open Coat
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
Early 90's Valentino haute couture wool and silk open coat. With its straight tailored cut and the
Category

1990s Italian Coats

Valentino Haute Couture Cotton & Guipure Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Geneva, CH
A ravishing and romantic piece of Valentino haute couture dating from the 70's. The short sleeved
Category

1970s Italian Maxi Dresses

Mayela Haute Couture Italian Black & Crème Modern Evening Dress Size 6-8
Located in Palm Springs, CA
will be wearing the same dress. One of a kind Mayela Haute Couture black silk chemise with crème silk
Category

1990s Italian Chemises

Linea Barberini haute couture Velvet Silk Black Dress
Located in Capri, IT
Linea Barberini haute couture Black Dress unique dress totally made in italy embellished with beads
Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Fontana Sisters Haute Couture Metallic Cocktail Dress
Located in Studio City, CA
Fontana Sisters haute couture cocktail dress made with metallic thread - the thread has oxidized
Category

1960s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Andre Laug Haute Couture Monochrome Sequin Dress
By André Laug
Located in London, GB
own, he ran a successful haute couture and ready to wear fashion house in Rome from the 1970s until
Category

1970s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Haute Couture Designer Janete Zamboni Pearl Mesh Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a large three dimensional pearl mesh dangling brooch created by jewelry designer Janete Zamboni in Rome. Nylon tube mesh & pearls is her famous design motif. Unfortunately, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Pearl

Dragoni Venezia Vintage Tulle Dress Haute Couture, 1950s
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1950 Haute Couture Collection. Italian Designer. Additional information
Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Brick and Green Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Brick and Green Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Blue and Lilac Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and Lilac Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Lilac and Ochre Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Lilac and Ochre Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Blue and Brick Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and Brick Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Ochre and Green Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Ochre and Green Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Valentino Garavani Haute Couture Choker Necklace with Hand Pendant
By Valentino
Located in Atlanta, GA
This fabulous Valentino Garavani Haute Couture choker necklace features a chunky double-strand of
Category

1990s Italian Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

21st Century Haute Couture Silk Crossbody Bag by Emilio Pucci
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 21st-century Haute Couture silk shoulder bag by Emilio Pucci is a vibrant testament to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Black leather sandal with double flange Chanel Haute - Couture
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather sandal with double flange and gold leather lining."Double C " ornament on the flange. Shoes Size 39 ( It) High of the heels = 8,5 cm
Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

1990 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Hot Pink Wool Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
classic mini dress shows off the masterful craftsmanship of a custom Atelier Versace Haute Couture piece
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Blue and Pale Yellow Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and Pale Yellow Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Brick and Pale Yellow Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto
Located in Geneve, CH
Brick and Pale Yellow Haute Couture Floor Lamp by Servomuto Dimensions: D 56 x H 180 cm Materials
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wood

Valentino Haute Couture Floral Print Silk Chiffon Blouse & Skirt Ensemble
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Valentino haute couture floral print silk chiffon blouse with flounced sleeves and skirt
Category

1970s Italian Day Dresses

Rare Authentic Valentino Haute Couture Jeweled Runway Oval Cuff Bracelet
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One-of-a-kind Valentino hand crafted haute couture cuff made for the 2001 S/S runway show (see
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bangles

ATELIER VERSACE Multicolor Beaded Evening Mermaid Haute Couture Gown & Heels 39
By Atelier Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Just breathtaking - a rare ATELIER VERSACE Evening Gown An amazing Haute Couture Piece Seen on
Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Vintage Italian Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Cornucoppia Horn Wall Ornament
By Italian school XX ct., Haute Couture of Luxury Interiors, Florentine
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Style: Italian, French Country, French provincial, Louis XVI, Antique, Neoclassical, Baroque
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood, Giltwood, Lacquer

1960s Lancetti Haute Couture Gold Silk and Lurex Beaded Dress Suit
By Lancetti
Located in London, GB
This haute couture dress suit was created in the 1960s by Italian 'Alta Moda' label Lancetti
Category

1960s Italian Dress and Coat Ensembles

Chanel SS-2022 Haute Couture Black Lurex Tweed Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the stunning Chanel SS-2022 Haute Couture Black Lurex Tweed Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

1960s Haute Couture Velvet and Brass Iconic Minaudiere Bag by Emilio Pucci
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a stunning example of 1960s haute couture fashion: a velvet and brass minaudière bag by the
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

F/W 1997 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Rhinestone Satin Appliqué Beaded Skirt
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Atelier Versace Haute Couture collection. Part of his last ever couture collection, this piece features
Category

1990s Italian Pencil Skirts

F/W 1992 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Medusa Studded Leather Shorts
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
season's couture runway on Yasmeen Ghauri. These custom hand-made shorts are covered in gold-tone studs
Category

1990s Italian Hot Pants

F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Studded Black Wool Blazer Jacket
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
for the Fall/Winter 1991 Haute Couture collection. This beautifully crafted, custom handmade jacket
Category

1990s Italian Jackets

F/W 2005 Valentino Haute Couture Olive Green Silk Metal Embellished Runway Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible olive/sage green silk Valentino Haute Couture gown. From the Fall/Winter
Category

Early 2000s Italian Formal Gowns

S/S 1985 Valentino Haute Couture Documented Pink Silk Chiffon Bow Strapless Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
gown with a daring back décolleté. From the Spring/Summer 1985 Haute Couture collection, this custom
Category

1980s Italian Evening Gowns

F/W 2000 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Amethyst Crystal Rhinestone Drop Necklace
By Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous crystal and amethyst Atelier Versace necklace designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2000 collection, a similar necklace debuted on the season's ru...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Crystal

F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Evening Jacket by Gianni Versace Haute Couture Runway
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gianni Versace designed this gorgeous coat for his F/W 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture runway
Category

1990s Italian Jackets

F/W 1997 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Rhinestone Logo Beaded Satin Poppy Jacket
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
beaded Japanese characters. A true work of art from Gianni's final Haute Couture collection, this jacket
Category

1990s Italian Blazers

S/S 1991 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Mini Dress Rhinestone Tassel Set
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
the Spring/Summer 1991 Haute Couture collection, this mini dress debuted on the season's runway
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1980S ANDRE LAUG Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress In Shades Of Blues W
By André Laug
Located in New York, NY
1980S ANDRE LAUG Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress In Shades Of Blues With Sheer Sleeves
Category

1980s Italian Day Dresses

S/S 1999 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Hand-Beaded Blue Floral Wide-Leg Pants
By Donatella Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/Summer 1999 Atelier Versace Haute Couture collection. These wide-leg, flare-cut pants are intricately
Category

1990s Italian Pants

F/W 1994 Atelier Versace Haute Couture White Black Cropped Fringe Bolero Coat
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible creme fringe Atelier Versace cropped coat. From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this voluminous coat is constructed of creme wool fringe with black spots sc...
Category

1990s Italian Bolero Jackets

S/S 1996 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Copper Lace Leopard Rhinestone Mini Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible leopard print chiffon and copper lace Atelier Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1996 collection, a version of this super...
Category

1990s Italian Mini Dresses

Lorenzo Agius - Valentino with models, photography, color, photoshoot, 30x40 in
By Lorenzo Agius
Located in London, GB
, italian, haute couture, photograph, palace, agius, interior design, colour photograph, color photograph
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Photography

Materials

Digital

Lorenzo Agius - Valentino with models, photography, color, photoshoot, 48x60 in
By Lorenzo Agius
Located in London, GB
, italian, haute couture, photograph, palace, agius, interior design, colour photograph, color photograph
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Photography

Materials

Digital

Lorenzo Agius - Valentino with models, photography, color, photoshoot, 20x24 in
By Lorenzo Agius
Located in London, GB
, authentic, italian, haute couture, photograph, palace, agius, color photograph, colour photograph, **Please
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Photography

Materials

Digital

S/S 1992 Atelier Versace Haute Couture Runway Leopard Silk Gold Lace Coat Dress
By Atelier Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted entirely by expert artisans by hand, this Spring/Summer 1992 Atelier Versace leopard coat dress debuted on the season's runway, modeled by Yasmeen Ghauri. This double-breast...
Category

1990s Italian Coats and Outerwear

Vintage Italian Gold Giltwood Lamps Carved Neoclassal Vases Table Lamps a Pair
By Chapman Manufacturing Company, Florentine, Henredon, Frederick Cooper, Haute Couture of Luxury Interiors
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage tall ornamental Italian Giltwood Lamps hand carved Neoclassical table lamps with lampshades
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Table Lamps

Materials

Pearwood, Giltwood, Fabric

Mid Century Italian Crystal Chandelier Venice Gold Venini Murano Glass
By Maison Baguès, Haute Couture of Luxury Interiors, Bakalowits & Söhne, Paolo Venini, Mazzega
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Venini Chandelier Italian Murano Glass lamps 7 Tier Flushmount Style: Timeless Italian design, Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Alexander McQueen Dress SS 2021 Dramatic Sleeve White
By Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
details. Never worn before. Made in Italy Marked size 42 Fit is adjustable with matching belt ALEXANDER
Category

2010s Italian Day Dresses

Rodolfo Dordoni 'Dress Up!' Sofa for Cassina, Italy, new
By Rodolfo Dordoni, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. A sophisticated haute couture design featuring elegant details reminiscent of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Sardinia, Italy, Contemporary Color Fashion Photography 1960s by Ormond Gigli
By Ormond Gigli
Located in New york, NY
confidently on a boat, against the backdrop of the bright blue sky of Southern Italy. Dressed in haute-couture
Category

1960s Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment, Photographic Film

1960s Lauretta Alta Moda Blue and Purple Sequinned Dress
Located in London, GB
Italy using alta moda (haute couture) craftsmanship, it is exquisitely handmade. Cut to a mod-silhouette
Category

1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1970s Sorelle Fontana Brown Printed Silk Top with Gold Lurex
By Sorelle Fontana
Located in London, GB
created were Alta Moda, which is Italian for haute couture clothing. Very few Italian couturiers were well
Category

1970s Italian Blouses

A Pair of Coppola e Toppo Golden Crystals Tassel Clip-on Long Earrings
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
renaissance in Italy and the world of haute couture.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1970s Tita Rossi Alta Moda Green Floral Silk Maxi Dress
Located in London, GB
Tita Rossi was an Italian fashion house which held haute couture, known in Italy as 'Alta Moda
Category

1970s Italian Evening Dresses

Rodolfo Dordini 'Dress Up!' Sofa, Upholsterd Foam in Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
haute couture design featuring elegant details reminiscent of classic fine tailoring. Special stitiching
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Italian Haute Couture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Italian Haute Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary piece of italian haute couture you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Red and more in stock now. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of italian haute couture from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Renato Balestra and Gianfranco Ferré are often thought to be among the most stylish.

How Much is an Italian Haute Couture?

Prices for a piece of italian haute couture can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $465 and can go as high as $16,500, while, on average they fetch $922.
Questions About Italian Haute Couture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Haute couture is the name of custom-designed clothing that select fashion houses produce. To qualify as haute couture, a maker must receive certification from the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris. Each year, this chamber of commerce publishes a list of the current haute couture maisons. Shop a selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    The difference between couture and haute couture comes down to the regulations and laws of France. A couture fashion label is any label that produces made-to-order pieces for clients. To be accurately identified as haute couture, a couture maison must secure certification from the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris. Each year, this organization publishes a list of current haute couture fashion houses. Explore a large selection of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Haute couture is described as high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish and is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France. ​​You can shop a variety of top fashion houses' haute couture designs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    A haute couture dress is dress is a dress that was made by an esteemed haute couture designer. Dresses created by haute couture houses are constructed by hand from start to finish. They’re made of the finest materials and are individually tailored to meet the needs of a specific client.

    Haute couture garments are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are examples of universally revered haute couture houses.

    Find haute couture dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
    Yes, Dior is haute couture.

    The French luxury fashion house Christian Dior is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which maisons can operate with haute couture status.

    When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.

    On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Dior apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
    Yes, Balmain is haute couture. The term haute couture refers to high-end luxury wear that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish. The world of haute couture is governed by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode in France.

    Fashion designer Pierre Balmain established his now-iconic label in 1945. In the postwar years, Balmain became known for bell-shaped skirts falling from slender waists, structured jackets over sheath day dresses and embellishments like fur trim.

    From the dresses favored by Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich to the sleek, skinny jeans seen on Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi and every Kardashian, clothes from the House of Balmain have long been mainstays in celebrity wardrobes. Shop a collection of vintage Balmain from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Whether Mugler is haute couture may vary from year to year. This is due to the fact that the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode updates its list of haute couture fashion houses annually. Generally, the French luxury fashion house founded by Thierry Mugler has regularly appeared on the list of official haute couture fashion houses. Explore a variety of Mugler apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify haute couture, start by locating the brand label on your item. Once you know who produced it, you can check the official list of haute couture fashion houses published on the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode website to see if the maker is on the list. By law, only maisons that meet certain standards established by the Paris Chamber of Commerce can be considered haute couture. Find a wide variety of apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Yes, Versace is haute couture. The Italian fashion house is an official member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that determines which firms can operate with haute couture status.

    More than any designer before him, Gianni Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry "is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way."

    On 1stDibs, find vintage Versace clothing and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
    Worth, the father of haute couture, is Charles Frederick Worth. In 1858, he established the House of Worth in Paris and began creating custom-made dresses for celebrities like Sarah Bernhardt and Jenny Lind and elites of fashion. By the 1870s, he was widely known throughout Europe, and many now consider him the first truly successful fashion designer. Explore a wide variety of apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between luxury and haute couture relates to exclusivity. Luxury is a general term for items made from fine materials and with meticulous crafting techniques that maximize quality, allowing them to be sold for high prices. Makers that produce these items are luxury brands. To be called haute couture, a brand must meet the strict requirements of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Each year, its commission, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, publishes a list of haute couture fashion houses. Explore a collection of luxury apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    In fashion, “haute couture” means "high sewing" or "high dressmaking." Haute couture is French and refers to the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces by an esteemed fashion designer or house for a particular client. 

    Haute couture garments such as dresses are pieces of clothing constructed by hand from start to finish and are made with the highest quality materials. They are expertly created by firms that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Dior, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli are some of fashion's universally revered haute couture houses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 7, 2024
    Yes, Louis Vuitton is haute couture. The iconic French luxury brand is a member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body of haute couture as an art form.

    Founded in 1868 as the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture and renamed FHCM in 2017, the organization has around 100 members — and Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), sits on its executive committee. "Haute couture" is a legal term that, literally translated, means "high sewing" and refers to innovative, hand-crafted garments created for private clients and presented to the public every January and July.

    Find vintage Louis Vuitton Neverfull bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    To tell if something is haute couture, first look for a size tag. Haute couture is custom-made for the purchaser, eliminating the need for a size tag. Every inch of a haute couture item will be flawless as well. Imperfections like misaligned or uneven stitches, poor-quality fabrics or cheaply made zippers and buttons are a sign that a piece isn't haute couture. You can also consult the list of haute couture fashion houses published by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode every year. The list is accessible on the organization's website. Explore a wide variety of apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    The difference between ready-to-wear and haute couture comes down to availability and pricing as well as whether or not the brand in question can assert haute couture status (this denomination is protected by law). Haute couture garments are crafted by maisons that are official member organizations of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), which is the governing body in France that regulates this segment of the fashion industry. Haute couture items are custom-made and individually tailored to fit the wearer. As a result, they sell for very high prices. Fashion houses produce ready-to-wear apparel on a much larger scale in a range of predetermined sizes and sell it at lower price points. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    The difference between high fashion and haute couture comes down to official recognition. For its pieces to be legally called haute couture, a fashion house must meet the standards set forth by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris, which publishes a list of haute couture labels every year. High fashion is a general term for pieces designed and tailored to order that sell at aspirational price points. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    The difference between prêt-à-porter and haute couture is availability and average price points. Also called ready-to-wear, prêt-à-porter is the term for apparel available for purchase in stores in various sizes. Haute couture pieces are custom-made to fit the wearer's body size and type, as well as their tastes. As a result, haute couture fashion tends to cost significantly more and its pieces are one-of-a-kind. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of apparel and accessories.