Image: weheartit.com
I have frequently wondered how certain brands such as Juicy Couture could call there mass produced clothing "couture". And while apparently that is allowed, calling a collection Haute Couture is not. There are very particular laws in France regarding this prestigious title, which is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris. The law states that only, "those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by a commission domiciled at the Ministry for Industry are entitled to avail themselves" of the label haute couture. The criterias were established in 1945 and have since been updated in 1992. The design houses must follow these rules: they must design made-to-order for private clients with one or more fittings, they must have an atelier in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full time. Each season they must present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear. There are different categories one can belong to, official members, correspondent (foreign) members, guest members, jewelry, and accessories. Design houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino, and more are members. Most couture shows end with a wedding dress like the Elie Saab one shown above.
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