Haute Couture and Fashion

Paris Fashion Week

A Fashion Week is a fashion industry event, typically named after the host city or major commercial sponsor, lasting four to ten days. It is held so that fashion designers or "houses" are able showcase their "collections" for either Spring or Fall seasons. "Spring" fashion weeks are held in January through March and "Fall" fashion weeks are held between September and November, since they must be held a few months in advance of the season to allow the press and buyers a chance to preview fashion designs for the following season. This is also to allow time for retailers to arrange to purchase or incorporate the designers into their retail marketing. They are attended by buyers for major stores, the media, celebrities, and members of the entertainment industry. The highlight is usually the famous "runway show", where the top designers show and well-known models are featured. Men's and Children's fashion shows are often part of the week's activities, especially in the prominent cities.

name of haute couture organization

Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture

name of governing body of haute couture in France

Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris

examples Haute couture houses

Chanel, Dior, Givenchy

haute couture requirements

Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings. Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time. Each season (i.e. twice a year) present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.

Four cities of Fashion Week

Paris London New York Milan

haute couture (f) definition

high fashion