from what I know: If I say Couture, you say..?

Couture. Not only does the average person not know how to say it, but most don't even know what it means. From a glance through the pages of fashion magazines, one might assume it's any sort of clothing put out by a designer. In fact, one might assume it's any sort of clothing put out by anyone at all. Though one of those assumptions is more right than the other (I'll let you guess which one) neither of them are correct.

First, lets start with how you SAY it. I've heard it all: kuh-ture, coo-tore, coo-tuur. But let me break it down for you. Say it with me: Cuh-two-or. Obviously when you say it for real you don't break it down into those seemingly over simplified syllables, but you get the gist (or you just butchered it worse than most).

Now that we can say it, let me explain it a little more. Couture is a shortened version of the term, "Haute Couture." (Hint: Haute does not = hot, haute = hote). So what does THAT mean? Couture pieces are one of a kind pieces that are made of expensive fabrics and usually with the use of fine hand sewing (and lots of it). The pieces are made with extreme attention to detail, and are sometimes more avant garde (or extravagant) than the typical ready to wear pieces (ready to wear = pieces that can be taken from the runway and worn on the street).

Designers are only entitled to call themselves couture designers if they have been deemed so by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris (in Paris). These designers put out two couture collections a year (along with meeting a few other requirements) and also put out ready to wear collections as well. Couture designs do not have to be soley dresses, or completely overstated. Creative freedom is given to the designers.