The term “couture” is often used generically to refer to high fashion, but it has a very specific meaning in France. Within France, couture is a term used to refer to garments produced high-end design firms which sew custom garments for their clients, using workshops and staff based in Paris. Outside of France, “couture” is used to refer to any sort of extremely fashionable garment, whether or not the garment has been custom fitted.

Couture is actually short for haute couture, a French phrase which means “high dressmaking.” In order to be considered couture under French law, a garment must be produced by one of the members of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris, and the garment must be fitted to a specific client, with at least two personal fittings to ensure that the garment looks correct. Furthermore, the firm itself must maintain a workshop in Paris with French staff, and present a collection during both annual fashion weeks.

Because many firms which produce couture garments also product off-the-rack or pret-a-porter styles, the definition of couture has become blurred in the eyes of many consumers. In part, this is because of a conscious decision among fashion houses, who want to capitalize on the elite cachet of the term “couture” without having to invest large amounts of money and time in the production of personalized high fashion garments.

As of 2008, some notable couture firms include Chanel, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix, among others. In addition to producing exclusive pret-a-porter lines which can be purchased in department stores and boutiques, these companies also offer traditional haute couture to clients who are willing to travel to Paris and pay the price. The price for couture, by the way, can be quite hefty; a beaded evening dress can sell for as much as $40,000 US Dollars, a sum which may seem mind-boggling to the less fashion minded.

The tradition of haute couture dates back to the mid-1800s, and the reason couture can command such a high price is because of the long tradition of high fashion in France. Couture garments are designed to look absolutely stunning on clients, with fits customized to the client's body, way of movement, and personal style. The detailing on couture garments such as beading and embroidery is always done by hand, representing hours and sometimes months of labor.

With the rise of very high quality off-the-rack fashion, couture is not quite as popular among the wealthy set as it once was, but the tradition is likely to endure, especially among those who wish to look particularly unique or stunning at events like the Academy Awards, society weddings, and the Opening of Parliament.