haute couture

American  

[oht koo-toor, oht koo-tyr] / ˌoʊt kuˈtʊər, oʊt kuˈtür /

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.

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haute couture British  

/ ot kutyr /

noun

1. high fashion

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of haute couture

From French

Example Sentences

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

Often performing community groups or visiting schools, a haute couture show is a departure from the Armagh Rhymers day-to-day schedule.

From BBC

The 1960s middle classes could not afford haute couture, but yearned for a stylish, distinctive look of their own.

From BBC

Outside of Loewe, tomatoes have appeared as a recurring motif in haute couture.

From Salon

Artistic vision and craftsmanship are what separate haute couture from high fashion, and both were on display on the Christian Dior runway.

From BBC