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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

Jean Patou Haute Couture Velvet, Chiffon and Beads Couture Set
By Jean Patou
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jean Patou Haute Couture - Jacket and pants set composed of velvet, chiffon and beads. Louis 40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Twin Sets

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

1960's PIERRE BALMAIN haute COUTURE velvet dress with sheer lace detail
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black silk velvet haute couture dress with unique sheer floral lace sleeves and
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Ted Lapidus Haute Couture Silk and Velvet Dress, Size 36FR
By Ted Lapidus Haute Couture, Ted Lapidus
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ted Lapidus Haute Couture - Dress composed of velvet and silk taffeta. No composition or size tag
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

1990s Christian Dior Haute Couture Cocktail Dress W/Velvet Corset Detailing
By Christian Dior Haute Couture, Christian Dior
Located in Gresham, OR
A Gorgeous 1990s numbered Dior Haute Couture cocktail dress by Gianfranco Ferre': Micro-pleated
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Green Velvet Dress with Belt, "VAMPIRE DRESS" 1981.
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in New York, NY
Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Green Velvet Dress with Belt, "VAMPIRE DRESS" 1981. Off the shoulder
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Haute-Couture black velvet Chanel bag
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Haute-Couture black velvet Chanel bag Measures: - width: 26 cm - height: 21 cm - depth: 5 cm
Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

A burgundy velvet & lamé evening gown by Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Circa 1980
By Pierre Cardin Couture, Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France A long evening dress in Burgundy velvet by Pierre Cardin Haute Couture dating
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1980s Dior Attributed Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Bought alongside other labelled Dior haute couture pieces, we believe this elegant black velvet
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Haute Couture Black Velvet Pierre Balmain Evening Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful cocktail dress in black velvet with silk tulle on the shoulder . Haute couture by Pierre
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses

Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Cape in Velvet, 2014/15
By Franck Sorbier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Franck Sorbier -Haute Couture cape in velvet panne and velvet devoured. No composition label or
Category

2010s French Capes

Lanvin Haute Couture 1980s Velvet Bias Cut Black Gown
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Lanvin Haute Couture 1980s Velvet Bias Cut Black Gown, a breathtaking masterpiece
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Purple Silk Velvet Coat Haute Couture, 2005
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Summer Haute Couture Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions
Category

Early 2000s French Coats

1950s Balenciaga Haute Couture Black Velvet Jewel Toque Hat
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in Spain in 1895, Cristóbal Balenciaga is renowned as one of the masters of haute couture
Category

1950s French Hats

2003 Givenchy Fall Haute Couture Green Velvet Skirt Suit
By Givenchy, Julien Macdonald
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture 2003 presentation and is look number 2. The jacket features unusual gathered puff
Category

Early 2000s French Skirt Suits

1960s Carven Haute Couture Navy Velvet Soutache Dress Suit
By Carven
Located in London, GB
This Carven haute couture 1960s midnight blue dress suit is beautifully crafted from a luxuriously
Category

1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Christian Lacroix Coat of Black Velvet and Silk Haute Couture
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture coat made of black velvet and silk. Buttons in gold-plated metal
Category

1990s Coats

Chanel Vintage Haute Couture 1970s Burgundy Red Velvet Embellished Jacket
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Transport yourself to the opulent past with this striking Chanel vintage haute couture jacket
Category

1970s Jackets

Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Set Composed of Black Velvet Jacket
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - Haute Couture set composed of a black velvet jacket embroidered with sequins, a
Category

1990s French Skirt Suits

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Silk Velvet Dress, 1986
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Black silk velvet Haute Couture evening gown embellished with
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Christian Lacroix Purple Silk Velvet Haute Couture Coat, Size 44FR
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Purple silk velvet Haute Couture coat. Size indicated 44FR
Category

1990s French Coats

Givenchy Black Satin and Velvet Dress Haute Couture 34FR/36FR
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Givenchy - (Made in France) Black satin and velvet Haute Couture dress decorated with red hearts
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

1980s Emanuel Ungaro Haute Couture Black Velvet Brown Taffeta Bow Gown
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous black velvet Emanuel Ungaro haute couture gown was entirely made by hand. From the
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

1960's PIERRE BALMAIN black velvet HAUTE COUTURE dress with rhinestones
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, haute couture, silk velvet dress with rhinestones from Pierre Balmain dating to the 1960
Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1990s Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Velvet Long Sleeve Flare Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black velvet Pierre Cardin haute couture flared dress. From the early 1990s
Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet Strapless Gown
Located in New York, NY
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet Strapless Gown
Category

1980s Formal Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Silk Velvet Dress Haute Couture, circa 1990/91
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Silk velvet dress with drop waist, embellished with a jewel made
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Dresses

1986 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Velvet and Jacquard Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This black evening dress was commissioned by a special client from Yves Saint Laurent’s 1986 haute
Category

1980s French Ball Gowns

Lanvin numbered Haute couture black silk and velvet strapless cocktail dress
By Lanvin Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lanvin numbered Haute Couture cocktail dress...From the late 1970s or early 1980s...Strapless
Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Valens Haute Couture Black Dress
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valens Haute Couture - Black dress embroidered with velvet and tulle. No composition or size tag
Category

1980s Evening Gowns

Christian Lacroix Jacket Haute Couture
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - Haute Couture silk satin and black velvet short jacket. No size indicated, it
Category

1980s French Blazers

Yves Saint Laurent Long Purple and Gray Silk Velvet Haute Couture Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture (Made in France) Long purple and gray silk velvet Haute Couture
Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

1950S JAQUES FATH Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet & Taffeta Strapless Bustier T
Located in New York, NY
1950S JAQUES FATH Black Haute Couture Silk Velvet & Taffeta Strapless Bustier Top
Category

1950s Bustiers

Guy Laroche Haute Couture Dress in Black Silk Velvet, Pearls and Strass
By Guy Laroche
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Guy Laroche - Haute Couture dress in black silk velvet, pearls and strass. Silk crepe lining. No
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Casual Dresses

Vintage Franck Sorbier Haute Couture Black Velvet Mother of Pearl Buttons Jacket
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage 90s Frank Sorbier Haute Couture black velvet jacket. - Featuring embedded Mother of
Category

1990s French Dinner Jackets

A Maggy Rouff Haute Couture black satin and velvet Evening Dress, Circa 1935
By Maggy Rouff
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935 France Haute Couture Evening Dress Haute Couture Maggy Rouff in black satin and velvet
Category

1930s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Top and Skirt Set in Velvet and Lace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture -Set comprised of a black silk velvet tunic and a long lace skirt
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Claude Riha 1980s Robe FR36 Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress Gown UK8 US6
Located in PARIS, FR
Claude Riha Haute Couture dress from the 1980s, the top in silk velvet embroidered with mobile
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Lanvin Haute Couture Black Velvet & Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/Hanky Hem No.91366
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Studio City, CA
Ca. 1983 Lanvin haute couture black sleeveless cocktail dress featuring a velvet bodice with
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

A Velvet Chasuble dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture (attributed to) Circa 1980
By Madame Gres
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Elegant black silk velvet Chasuble evening dress by Madame Grès Haute Couture
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1960S Blue & White Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Cut Velvet Gown With Bows
Located in New York, NY
of 5 elegant bows. Fully lined in silk/ 1960S Blue & White Haute Couture Silk Duchess Satin Cut
Category

1960s Formal Gowns

GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

A Redingote Velvet dress by Jean-Charles Worth Haute Couture - Paris Circa 1923
By House of Worth, Worth
Located in Toulon, FR
, a pioneer of French Haute Couture and a famous fashion house that operated from 1858 to 1954. After
Category

1920s French Caftans

F/W 2007 Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano Black Velvet Beaded Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black velvet Christian Dior Haute Couture midi dress, designed by John Galliano. From
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1983 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Black Velvet Bow Midi Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent black midi dress debuted on the Fall/Winter 1983 Haute Couture runway
Category

1980s French Mini Dress

Night blue silk velvet and silk satin skirt-suit Givenchy Haute-Couture Numbered
By Givenchy
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue silk velvet and silk satin skirt-suit. Silk lining. Lace on the edge of the
Category

Late 20th Century French Skirt Suits

1960's PIERRE BALMAIN elaborately beaded silk and satin HAUTE COUTURE dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black silk satin and velvet haute couture dress with unique spiral design and
Category

1960s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel 1988 80s Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag 1988 Spring Summer Haute
Category

1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Velvet Pants With Crystal Embroidery Detail
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Athens, Agia Paraskevi
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Velvet Pants With Crystal And Beads Embroidery Detail
Category

Early 2000s French Pants

1970's GIVENCHY Haute Couture velvet bow hat
By Givenchy
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Mint condition, 1970's GIVENCHY Haute Couture velvet bow hat. Navy blue round silhouette hat
Category

1970s French Hats

VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Velvet Corsage Silk Flounced Gown Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO Haute Couture Velvet Black Corsage Silk Flounced Black Gown Dress - Unworn, New. SIZE
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1912 Haute Couture Maison Doucet Velvet Coat
Located in Dallas, TX
Amazing and rare couture piece from the Maison Doucet dating to c.1912. The coat is a pane velvet
Category

20th Century French Edwardian Coats and Outerwear

Givenchy Haute Couture Striped Velvet And Taffeta Dress, Circa 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Givenchy Haute Couture, circa 1980's long sleeve striped velvet and taffeta dress, double side zip
Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1980s Lapidus Haute Couture Plum Velvet and Taffeta Evening Gown
By Lapidus, Ted Lapidus
Located in Paris, FR
LAPIDUS HAUTE COUTURE (Paris) Evening gown composed of a long sleeves top in velvet plum color and
Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Givenchy Haute Couture Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
known haute couture client. The black silk velvet sheath has a smattering of organically shaped gold
Category

1980s French Sheath Dresses

1984 Givenchy Haute Couture Documented Silk Petal Appliqué Velvet Hourglass Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking and truly timeless Givenchy haute couture petal appliqued silk velvet hourglass gown
Category

1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Archival 1971 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Beaded Blue Velvet Jumpsuit & Jacket
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture dark blue silk-velvet jumpsuit ensemble dating back to his
Category

1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1930 Chanel Haute Couture Documented Archival Velvet Scarf-Neck Sculpted Cape
By Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
value. Measurements Bust: Free Hips: Free Total Length: 46 inches This Chanel haute couture
Category

1930s French Capes

Vintage 1990 Givenchy Haute Couture Sapphire Blue Draped Silk Velvet Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Givenchy Haute-Couture 72436 numbered dress is in excellent condition with no rips, stains
Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

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Haute Couture Velvet For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary piece of haute couture velvet you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Blue, Gold and more options on these pages. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of haute couture velvet may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing accessory such as this — no matter the origin — is easy, but Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Finding a choice in our collection of haute couture velvet for sale for women should be easy, but there are 2 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Haute Couture Velvet?

Prices for a piece of haute couture velvet can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $450 and can go as high as $18,000, while, on average they fetch $2,873.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About Haute Couture Velvet
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.