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

In the 1940s haute couture status brought practical advantages, but as postwar shortages eased in the early 1950s, those benefits diminished. — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Jordyn Woods, for example, wore the Vanilla Satin version to the Alberta Ferretti spring 2027 show in September, while Ejae showcased the style as a front row guest at the Dior fall 2026 haute couture show. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Kardashian’s longtime friend Olivier Rousteing even tossed her the keys to the Paco Rabanne archives for her birthday, lending her two chainmail minis from fall 1995 haute couture for her birthday dinner. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

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