Whether you’re a long-time lover of fashion, just becoming interested, or just a little curious, you absolutely need to know about the rules of high fashion— namely couture.
You can’t interchange couture and haute couture. Well, you could try. But, you’d have the French government to answer to. They aren’t the same. And in this blog, we’ll explain how they aren’t and recommend a fantastic brand to start your runway fashion journey with.
Couture is any fashion piece that’s handmade and one-of-a-kind. However, haute couture is high fashion clothing or also known as high-dressing made by atelier / fashion houses regulated by the French government. To be an haute couture fashion brand, you’re required to have an atelier (small boutique) in Paris with a minimum of 15 employees who work full-time and showcase at least 35 looks at a fashion show every year.
Brands like Atelier Pichita and PICHITA are haute couture, while well-known brands like Tom Ford aren’t because they haven’t technically met all the criteria set out by the Chambre Syndicale de la haute couture.
Meet us at our Atelier Pichita
Masterpieces. Madame Pichitra Boonyarataphan’s collections are created to inspire you to enjoy ethereal designs, keen attention to detail, and only hand-picked, exclusive looks.
Our atelier is the true definition of haute couture with our three signature collections:
Pichita Haute Couture
This collection is for the lovers of the sophisticated, classy look that can also turn heads on a runway or on the street any day.
For those days when you want to channel your delicate inner beauty, the designs on this collection are all light and beautiful--almost as if they’re too delicate to be real.
If you prefer playful and light outfits that are absolutely stunning but complement your youthful beauty, start here.
Exclusive custom-fitted clothing
Atelier Pichita specialises in limited-edition pieces that are one-of-a-kind. However, they’re so exclusive that you have to book an appointment to have your look fitted and designed specifically for you.
The pieces are made with the finest fabrics and delicate embroidery and feature bright colors and playful patterns.
If you’re looking for unique, exclusive pieces that drape perfectly on your form, this atelier is the best choice.
Haute couture and couture are not the same. Haute couture is regulated by the French government, while couture is any one-of-a-kind, handmade design. To really step into the haute couture world, we recommend a high fashion pioneer like Atelier Pichita. The brand’s keen attention to detail, beautiful and delicate designs with bright colors, and gorgeous patterns will make you the envy of any crowd. Become an exclusive owner of a signature piece of haute couture when you book an appointment.
FAQs
While couture refers to custom-made garments, haute couture goes beyond individual pieces to encompass an entire collection crafted by an officially recognized couture house. Haute couture collections are presented during exclusive fashion shows, attended by a select audience and press.
How can you tell if something is haute couture? ›
Haute couture is not only made-to-order for a specific customer, it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming hand-executed techniques.
What is haute couture in simple words? ›
Haute couture literally means high sewing or high dressmaking. It refers to clothes that are made to fit an individual, using the finest of fabrics and sewn with precise and time-consuming techniques. The term, haute couture, is regulated by law in France.
What's the difference between haute couture and ready-to-wear? ›
While haute couture refers to handmade, unique and custom-made garments, ready-to-wear is clothing produced in large(er) quantities in a factory – which incidentally still always requires human hands – and is accessible to the general public because of its lower price.
What qualifies as couture? ›
Couture is any fashion piece that's handmade and one-of-a-kind. However, haute couture is high fashion clothing or also known as high-dressing made by atelier / fashion houses regulated by the French government.
Is Chanel considered haute couture? ›
Christian Dior, Chanel, Ellie Saab and Versace are some of the big names who produce haute couture.
Is Louis Vuitton haute couture? ›
Over the years, the French have decorated the global haute couture industry. From Yves Saint Laurent to Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton to Coco Chanel, French designers sprinkle runways and closets across the globe.
What is the opposite of haute couture? ›
In other words, it is a piece of clothing that was mass produced in different sizes and sold that way instead of it being designed and sewn for one person. The term off-the-peg is sometimes used for items other than clothing, such as handbags. It is the opposite of haute couture.
Does Gucci make haute couture? ›
Gucci. Gucci is another top haute couture brand that is highly sought-after by fashionistas around the world.
What are the rules for haute couture? ›
The criteria for haute couture include:
- Having an atelier in Paris with minimum 15 full-time employees.
- Having at least 20 full-time technical employees at one of their workshops.
- Creating made-to-order clothing items for private clients.
synonyms: high fashion, high style. fashion. the latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics and behavior.
Does haute couture still exist? ›
Some of these fashion houses still exist today, under the leadership of modern designers.
What is the difference between couture and haute? ›
'Haute' in French means 'high'; 'couture' means 'dressmaking' or 'sewing. '
What makes an outfit haute couture? ›
Garments created in haute couture fashion houses are known for their one-of-a-kind design, high-quality fabrics (and ornamentation), extreme attention to detail, and custom fit. Fortunately, couture designers and other luxury houses offer ready-to-wear luxury clothing.
Is Tommy Hilfiger haute couture? ›
Hilfiger continues to maintain multiple fashion lines, some focused on wearable "casual" clothes while others take on various haute couture commissions.
Is Gucci part of haute couture? ›
Gucci. Gucci is another top haute couture brand that is highly sought-after by fashionistas around the world.
What makes a dress haute couture? ›
Garments created in haute couture fashion houses are known for their one-of-a-kind design, high-quality fabrics (and ornamentation), extreme attention to detail, and custom fit.
Is Dior a haute couture brand? ›
Backed by Marcel Boussac, he opened the House of Dior at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. This location became synonymous with luxury and haute couture. Dior's vision aimed to redefine femininity in the post-war era, offering designs celebrating opulence and sophistication.
