haute couture

[oht koo-toor, oht koo-tyr]

noun

1. high fashion; the most fashionable and influential dressmaking and designing.

2. the fashions so created.

3. the leading dressmaking establishments in the world of fashion, considered collectively.

haute couture

/ ot kutyr /

noun

1. high fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of haute couture¹

From French

Word History and Origins

Origin of haute couture¹

literally: high dressmaking

When To Use

What does haute couture mean?

Haute couture refers to the world of high fashion and custom-made garments.The phrase comes from French and translates as “high sewing” or “high dressmaking.” It is synonymous with high fashion.Haute couture can refer to high fashion designers collectively, their profession, the clothes designed by them, or their businesses.The word couture can also be used by itself as a shortening of haute couture or to refer to or describe clothing that was designed by a fashion designer or has that level of quality.Example: She’s known for wearing haute couture looks that are straight from the runway.