haute couture

noun

haute cou·​ture ˌōt-ku̇-ˈtu̇r How to pronounce haute couture (audio)
: the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last October Kim Jones parted ways with Fendi after four years as its artistic director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections for women, making his mark with high-profile collaborations and destination shows. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 Yet, the worlds of high-octane racing and Parisian haute couture couldn’t seem more different, but French fashion house Maje has bridged this gap with their latest fashion collaboration that shows how luxury fashion and nostalgic toys somehow go hand in hand. Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Sandwiched in between, of course, are the fall 2025 haute couture shows, happening from July 7 through July 10. José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 2 June 2025 Alfred Giraud – Heritage French Malt Cognac Region Crafted by a family with deep Cognac roots, Alfred Giraud takes a haute couture approach to whiskey. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for haute couture

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, high sewing

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of haute couture was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Haute couture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haute%20couture. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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