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Garments are finished clothing items produced in batches following specific standards and specifications. This term is often contrasted with made-to-measure or homemade garments. As an industrial product, garments align with the principles of mass production, mechanization, standardized quality, uniform packaging, and brand identification—covering details like fabric composition, style types, and care instructions.
In the fashion industry, many people confuse terms such as ready-to-wear, high-end clothing, and haute couture. However, each of these terms has its own distinct meaning and history.
Haute couture is a French term that originated in 1858 and has over 150 years of rich heritage. It was Charles Frederick Worth who first introduced the concept of design into the fashion world. He opened a high-end boutique in Paris, offering custom-made clothing for the upper class. This marked the beginning of the first haute couture house. Worth was not just a tailor but a designer, and his work gained royal recognition when it was favored by the Queen of France. Aristocrats worldwide were eager to own his creations, not only for their price but also for the prestige they carried.
In 1868, the French High Fashion Association was officially formed. This organization, now known as the French Haute Couture Federation, established strict rules regarding the scale, technical standards, and presentation of collections. These traditions have been preserved by Parisian haute couture houses for over a century.
To be recognized as haute couture, a brand must meet four key criteria: it must have a Paris studio participating in two annual fashion shows, display at least 75 designs per season, employ three or more full-time models, and produce limited quantities of each piece, mostly by hand. After meeting these conditions, approval from the French Ministry of Industry is required before the label "Haute Couture" can be used.
In 1945, the French government set strict guidelines, and only 20 companies, including Chanel, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent, were certified as haute couture houses.
The customization process involves a designer working closely with a client to create something unique. A pattern is made based on the customer's measurements, and a prototype is created using a trial fabric. The customer tries it on, and adjustments are made. The final garment is then cut and sewn from the chosen material, with multiple fittings ensuring perfect fit and finish—often requiring at least three trials.
Because haute couture involves intricate hand-embroidery and detailed craftsmanship, prices can easily exceed $250,000, with some pieces reaching up to $1–2 million. Only around 2,000 clients worldwide are considered regular patrons, and fewer than 20 brands operate at this level today.
Ready-to-wear, or *Pret-a-porter* in French, refers to clothing that retains some elements of haute couture but is designed for a broader audience. It targets the middle class and offers high-quality, small-batch production. This category sits between haute couture and mass-produced, inexpensive clothing (known as *confection* in French). The term was first used during World War II and initially served as a secondary line for haute couture houses. By the 1960s, changing lifestyles led to the rise of high-end ready-to-wear, which eventually overshadowed traditional haute couture.
Major fashion weeks in Paris, New York, Milan, and London serve as platforms for high-end fashion presentations and business deals.
The difference between high-end and regular garments goes beyond batch size. It lies in the quality, craftsmanship, and most importantly, the design’s individuality and taste. As a result, international high-end fashion is typically associated with renowned designer brands.