Charles Frederick Worth founded the first Haute Couture house in 1858.

In 1945, the term Haute Couture became a legally regulated designation of origin.

Every year, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, founded in 1868, decides who can appropriate de term Haute Couture based on a set of strict criteria.

First and foremost, Haute Couture garments must be made to the specific measurements of a private client.

The most loyal clients have personalized busts made and kept in house.

Each piece must be entirely assembled by hand to exacting standards.

Haute Couture houses must have an atelier in Paris employing a minimum of 20 artisans, commonly known as 'petites mains.'

Portrait of Francois Lesage and Maison Lesage Workroom (Photo by John Kenny/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Only the most skilled craftsmen are called upon to produce intricate embroideries, laces, textiles, and buttons, using the world's rarest and most precious materials.

The houses must turn out at least 25 original designs per season.

The collections must be designed exclusively by the acting creative director.

These collections are presented twice per year, during Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Clients can choose to change the color and make minor adjustments to the design, as long as it stays with the spirit of the runway look.

A garment tagged Haute Couture is nothing less than perfect.

Made to measure by hand and to the specifications of the client, each Haute Couture piece is absolutely unique.

It is the ultimate expression of a designer's creative potential, as in Haute Couture there is no such thing as limits.

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