THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS HAUTE COUTURE DESIGNERS

By: Maritza Villarroel
Exclusivamente para Rex Fabrics
Fine Fabrics from Around the World

When we refer to Haute Couture, it is more complex than what it seems; because there is a big difference between what many of us refer to as famous designers and Haute Couture designers.  Haute Couture designers are actually very few, because, in order for these professionals to be recognized with that title, they shall comply with a series of very strict requirements required by the organization that gathers them: Chambre de Commerce et D’Industrie de Paris”, with headquarters in Paris.

Originally, Haute Couture, referred to the creation of tailor-made clothes of each client, with outfits made from high quality and over-priced fabrics, sewed with great attention to detail and its finish.

Originally, the term made reference to the work that Charles Frederick Worth produced in Paris during the middle of the XIX Century.  Presently, “Haute Couture” is a protected name that can only be used by companies who comply with certain very well defined standards.  However, the term is informally used to discover the other brands that manufacture client’s tailor-made clothes, regardless whether or not it is produced in Paris, as is the case of brands with headquarters in Milan, London, Rome, New York and Tokyo.

In order to win the right to be called “Haute Couture House” and to use the term “Haute Couture”, in advertising as well as any other setting, the members of the “Chambre Syndicate de la Haute Couture“ must follow some rules.

The three fashion chambers together have approximately 100 members.  Let’s say that “Haute Couture” is a label with a name of origin.  A reduced number of companies form part of the select club of members of the Union Chambers of Haute Couture.