The "Haute Couture" appellation

Why not take a close interest in the Haute Couture appellation? Indeed, it is a very particular appellation that many ready-to-wear houses are eager to obtain! This is synonymous with luxury, know-how, prestige and excellence.

First of all, the most important thing is to know that Haute Couture is exclusively Parisian (and therefore French). As you may have noticed, Haute Couture shows only take place in Paris! Milan, London or New York Fashion Week does not offer it. Please also note that you will not find any Haute Couture pieces in a shopping window, because these pieces are made to order and subject to measurements.

But then, what is the process to be considered as a haute couture house?

This appellation dates back to 1945 and is legally protected. To benefit from it, you must make a request that will be carefully analyzed by the Ministry of Industry and the French Federation of Haute Couture.

Then, of course, these five criteria must be met:

- The creations must be handmade in the company's respective workshops, which must have a minimum of 20 people.

- Anticipate its registration on the official calendars by registering 4 years in advance.

- A minimum of 25 models must be presented during fashion week when houses with the haute couture label are required to show twice a year (Fashion week in winter and fashion week in summer)

- The house must have two workshops: a blurred workshop that deals with fluid silhouettes and materials and a tailor's workshop that deals with trousers, jackets and coats.

- Be sponsored by at least two haute couture houses.

Nevertheless, the Haute Couture label is only valid for one year. At the end of this year, you must then repeat your request to keep the label.

To date, there are only 14 permanent houses :

- Adeline ANDRÉ, (2005),

- Alexandre VAUTHIER, (2014)

- Alexis MABILLE, (2007)

- CHANEL,

- Christian DIOR,

- Franck SORBIER, (2005),

- Giambattista VALLI (2011)

- GIVENCHY

- Jean-Paul GAULTIER

- Julien FOURNIE

- House MARGIELA

- House Rabih KAYROUZ

- Maurizio GALANTE

- SCHIAPARELLI

Not having the privilege of having the Haute Couture label, some Houses apply for the status of "guest member". This status can also lead, later, to the haute couture label. For 5 years, these guests can present their collections during Fashion Week. These guests are previously chosen by Haute Couture houses, such as Azzaro, Balmain...

Foreign ready-to-wear houses also request to be present at these prestigious fashion shows; we then speak of corresponding members. This year, Elie Saab, Fendi, Versace, Valentino, Viktor&Rolf, Giorgio Armani and Alaïa were among the corresponding members.

This website lists all invited members and correspondents from year to year: http://www.annuaire-createurs.fr/505-Haute-Couture.html

- Aná

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