Haute means “high” in French, and couture means “sewing.” Therefore, the term as a whole can be understood as sewing of the highest standards and quality. It refers to handmade clothing, refined down to the smallest detail. Haute couture is extreme extravagance, prioritising artistic expression over practical wear. Haute couture fashion houses follow a strict set of rules to earn this prestigious status.

The FHCM controls which houses and designers are allowed to call themselves haute couture. The term is legally protected under French law. The requirements for haute couture houses are:

• The fashion house’s atelier must be located in Paris. (a requirement for official members)

• At least 15 full-time employees.

• A minimum of 50 original designs per collection, including looks suitable for both day and evening wear.

• Handmade using traditional couture techniques.

• Customers must be offered made-to-order designs with multiple fittings.

• Collections must be presented twice a year at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Haute Couture also has an official event, separate from the traditional Fashion Week. This event is held twice a year in Paris: Spring/Summer collections are presented in January, and Autumn/Winter collections are presented in July.

In 1927, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture founded a prestigious school called the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. This school exists to train promising talents in haute couture techniques.