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

Exhibited is the haute couture gown Rihanna wore that was created for the J’Adore campaign, among other pieces, such as miniature Dior dresses and exclusive editions from fragrance lines Récoltes Majeurs and La Collection Privée. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Even while dripping in haute couture, Edebiri somehow never appears stuffy or unapproachable — quite the opposite. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Three weeks later, Chanel’s haute couture collection is shown at the Palais Garnier. — Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026

Paris’ fashion calendar, which now spans menswear, womenswear and haute couture and shows six times a year, has delivered a number of show-stopping moments in the 2020s, even with the decade only halfway through. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 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