couture

American  

[koo-toor, koo-tyr] / kuˈtʊər, kuˈtür /

noun

1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing.

2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.

3. the clothes and related articles designed by such designers.

4. the business establishments of such designers, especially where clothes are made to order.

---

adjective

1. created or produced by a fashion designer.

   couture clothes.

2. being, having, or suggesting the style, quality, etc., of a fashion designer; very fashionable.

   the couture look.

couture British  

/ kuːˈtʊə, kutyr /

noun

1. 1. high-fashion designing and dressmaking

   2. ( as modifier )

      couture clothes

---

Usage

What does couture mean? Couture most commonly refers to or describes clothing that was designed by a fashion designer or has that level of quality.Couture can also refer to fashion designers collectively, their profession, the clothes designed by them, or their businesses. Couture is found in (and can be used as a shortening of) the term haute couture, which refers to the world of high fashion and custom-made garments.Example: She’s known for wearing couture looks that are straight from the runway.

Etymology

Origin of couture

1905–10; < French: literally, sewing, seam < Vulgar Latin *cō ( n ) sūtūra, equivalent to Latin consūt ( us ) past participle of consuere to sew together ( con- con- + suere to sew ¹ ) + -ūra -ure; suture, accouter

Example Sentences

From the soundtrack’s mix of pop hits and little-known, chic electronic tunes, to Patricia Field’s sumptuous couture costuming — not to mention the stellar performances, lovely direction and clever writing.

From Salon

Rather than force it into mass production, let it continue to be the self-guided couture brand it is.

From Los Angeles Times

"Disappointing from a couture fashion house," wrote one user responding to the video on Instagram.

From BBC

Additionally, when food inflation and rising beef prices prevail, it’s hard to imagine that ostentatious couture would be at the top of consumers’ spending list.

From Salon

The announcement unleashed fury across Paris as city officials worried the Chinese fast-fashion giant was planting its flag in the home of haute couture.

From The Wall Street Journal