couture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "couture" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to high-quality clothing that is custom-made and designed, and is often associated with designer fashion. For example, you can use the word in a sentence such as: "I recently purchased a couture dress for a special occasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was how Donatella Versace, with a hint of a wink, described her Atelier Versace couture collection, shown on Sunday in Paris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is an oddity that Elie Saab is at once the modern face of the haute couture schedule – a Lebanese designer whose Paris show acts as a showcase for a healthy client list based in the Middle East, Asia and the US – and its most staunch traditionalist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

— an enthusiastic collector of couture, of paintings and, most of all, of jewels.

The Guardian - Film

He took inspiration from "the work of contemporary Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft" for the group shot above, which could also have come straight from Givenchy's 2013 haute couture lineup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Couture shows – the highest echelon of fashion, with made-to-measure frocks, private clients and six-figure prices – always highlight the craft of fashion as well as the fantasy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

St Catherine is one of the patron saints of haute couture in France.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It pounced up on the magazine in question, eager to read tales of drugged madness, to see photographs of The Global Aggregate Of Fairytale Young Womanhood suffering a scrumpy and microdot-fuelled freakout while watching the Ozric Tentacles and to hear of her announcing her decision to quit the world of haute-couture modelling in order to live in a converted ambulance with a man called Seaweed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her legacy rolled into Britain on the second leg of a world tour to regale fans via the medium of diamonds, pearls and outrageous haute-couture.

The Guardian - Film

Take the street-couture brand A Bathing Ape, which opened its first store, Busy Work Shop, in Tokyo in 1998.

The Economist

Mr Couture-Rouleau was under sporadic surveillance and his passport had been seized because he was one of an estimated 130 Canadians whom the security services suspected of terrorist leanings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "couture", emphasize the artistry, exclusivity, and personalized fit that distinguish it from ready-to-wear fashion. Highlight the craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials.

Common error

Avoid using "couture" to describe mass-produced or generic clothing. "Couture" refers specifically to custom-made, high-end designs created by established fashion houses. Ready-to-wear, even if designer, lacks the individualized attention and handcrafted detail of true "couture".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "couture" is as a noun, referring to the design and production of high-end, custom-made clothing. Ludwig AI indicates that it is primarily used to describe luxurious and exclusive fashion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Couture" is a noun referring to the production of high-end, custom-made clothing. As shown in Ludwig examples, it is very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts, to convey sophistication and exclusivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in describing designer collections and historical garments. When writing about fashion, be sure to emphasize the artistry and personalized fit that distinguish "couture" from ready-to-wear alternatives. Avoid misusing the term to describe mass-produced clothing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haute couture

Adding "haute" emphasizes the exclusivity and artistry of the clothing.

designer fashion

Focuses on the design aspect and association with a specific designer.

custom-made clothing

Highlights the aspect of individual tailoring and personalization.

high-end fashion

Emphasizes the premium quality and price point of the apparel.

bespoke tailoring

Focuses on the tailoring aspect, highlighting the custom fit.

luxury apparel

Stresses the luxurious materials and craftsmanship.

exclusive designs

Highlights the limited availability and uniqueness of the garments.

made-to-measure garments

Focuses on the precise fitting and individual adjustments.

avant-garde fashion

Emphasizes the innovative and experimental nature of the designs.

fashion design

Broader term encompassing the creative process and industry.

FAQs

What is "haute couture"?

"Haute couture" is high-end custom-fitted clothing design; fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish.

How is "couture" different from ready-to-wear fashion?

"Couture" is custom-made and individually designed, while ready-to-wear is mass-produced in standard sizes. Couture emphasizes unique design and bespoke tailoring.

Where can I find examples of "couture"?

You can find examples of "couture" at exclusive fashion shows, in high-end boutiques, and in museum exhibitions dedicated to fashion history. Additionally, online archives and publications often feature "couture" designs.

What are some related terms to "couture"?

Related terms include "designer fashion", "bespoke tailoring", and "high-end fashion", all of which convey aspects of exclusivity and luxury in apparel.