Originating from France, Haute Couture has gained a prominent place in the fashion industry.  Constructed by the world’s best seamstresses by hand, its pieces utilise only the most high quality or unusual fabrics and difficult sewing techniques.  Haute Couture literally means high fashion; garments are tailor made and fitted to the client, creating jaw dropping one-off pieces.  Designed exclusively for runways and art exhibitions, Haute Couture was rarely made to be sold; the time, effort and rare materials used to make a single piece means they are described as having no price tag.  However, with one design selling on record for an incredible $17.6 million, and designers such as Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent routinely offering their interpretations of Haute Couture to the fashion world, the Haute movement shows no signs of losing momentum – or desirability. 
 
The term ‘Haute Couture’ was referenced as far back as the 1700s; Rose Bertin, Marie Antoinette’s personal designer, can be credited for bringing Haute Couture to the forefront of French attention.  However, the 19^th Century couturier Charles Frederick Worth is considered to be the ‘Father of Couture’.  Although a British designer, Worth revolutionised French fashion, using only luxurious materials to create custom fitted, hand finished outfits for his exclusive clients.  Deemed the first designer to put labels on his clothing, he began displaying his intricate French garments at displays and fashion shows.  At a time where sophistication and appearance were essential to identify one’s class, the first Couture house continued to prosper even after his death.  From then on Haute Couture became a fashion necessity. 
 
Exuberating luxury and exclusivity the allure of Couture lies in the demand to obtain ultimate power in style and fashion.  In modern France it is a protected name that can only be used by firms with particularly well defined standards, but other fashion capitals, with a similar penchant for high quality fashion, have now also adopted the term.  Particularly in today’s celebrity-driven world, where stars demand complete exclusivity on a red carpet outfit, Haute Couture is continually thriving and upping it standards.  

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