The spring/summer 2015 couture pieces were on display for all to see last week as the garments walked the runways in Paris.  From Alexandre Vauthier to Versace, those fortunate enough to hold the couture label were able to showcase their exclusive designs.  Though the term is loosely used by many, there are clear and specific requirements that must be met in order to legally, yes legally, hold the couture label.

Giambattista Valli

Qualifications: A piece is only considered Haute Couture if created by a couture label, a distinction granted by the French Ministry of Industry and the Fédération Française de la Couturière.  As I mentioned before, the right to use the label is legally protected and regulated by the ministry.  The garments must meet three requirements. First, the designers must offer personal fittings to exclusive clients, they must have a full-time workshop in Paris employing a minimum of 20 people and finally, they are required to show two collections a year (in January and July) and must include both daytime and formal evening wear.

Elie Saab

These garments are constructed by hand, using quality fabrics that are matched by their price tag.  This, coupled with the amount of time and effort it takes to produce a couture piece (it is said that most pieces take several hundred hours to complete), lend to the high price tag.  These pieces are typically only seen on runways and red-carpets.  If you’re in the market for a couture garment, take a look at those from some of my favorite designers.

Chanel