haute couture

noun

haute cou·​ture ˌōt-ku̇-ˈtu̇r 

: the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions

also : the fashions created

Examples of haute couture in a Sentence

a fashion designer who's a renowned master of haute couture

Recent Examples on the Web

For many designers across the globe, Paris, the birthplace of haute couture, has been, and is to this day, the one and only fashion mecca. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

The brand noted that founder Christian Dior referenced the Chinese city in his spring 1948 haute couture show by christening one of his key looks Shanghai. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Thrifted clothes have become an unlikely fashion flex for Hollywood’s haute couture hoarders and other trend-setters. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

The Paradise actress’ flashy pants rivaled the necklace’s aura, stepping out in a look from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga F/W 26 haute couture collection. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, high sewing

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for haute couture

• candidature
• miniature
• photogravure
• rotogravure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour