Avant-Garde Moments in Haute Couture History
Known for experimental inspirations and top-notch tailoring, the world of Haute Couture is one of style, exclusivity, and whimsicality. Designated by the French governing body Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, there are only 41 Maisons that show collections under the Haute Couture label...continue reading...
Haute Couture Standards
Translated literally, 'Couture' is French for dressmaking, and 'Haute' means high.
19th century Englishman Charles Frederick Worth is considered as the father of Haute Couture and today members are selected by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
The criteria to which a fashion house must adhere in order to be categorised haute couture were laid down in 1945 and updated in 1992.
To qualify as an official Haute Couture house, members must:
- design made-to-order clothes for private clients, with more than one fitting
- atelier (workshop) employs at least 15 fulltime staff and at least 20 fulltime technical workers
- must present a collection of no less than 50 original designs - both day and evening garments - to the press in Paris every January and July
The Museum at FIT Fashion Culture Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT, discusses the birth of the haute couture...duration 11 mins.