For those people that are not fashion-savvy yet and you’ve been wondering what is the difference between Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear, well here is the answer..

HAUTE COUTURE is the French word for “High sewing.” Couture clothes are those that are fitted and sewn specifically for a client, often requiring several fittings for a thorough fit. The clothes may be specifically designed for the client, such as a one-of-a-kind wedding dress or a special red carpet ensemble, or they may be part of a designer’s couture collection, which are the pieces the designer shows that are available for custom fit.

Usually, couture pieces are made of fine fabrics or feature extensive hand work (like beading or embroidery) that drive up the price to thousands or even tens of thousands PER PIECE. Couture is also known as made-to-measure or bespoke.

READY-TO-WEAR or prêt-à-porter is designer clothing that’s made ready-to-wear in standard sizes and sold through boutiques, while consumers can have pieces tailored to fit after purchase, customization is not included in the cost of ready-to-wear apparel. Many brand-name designers, like Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera, only show ready-to-wear collections, but still create a handful of couture pieces upon request for important clients.

So when you read in a fashion magazine or hear on television that designers are showing their ready-to-wear collections, you know that those are the pieces that you’ll find in their boutiques or in department stores come the new fashion season.

Take a look at Haute Couture examples… Diane Kruger in DIOR and Beyonce in GIVENCHY.