couture
UK: kuːˈtjʊə | US: kuˈtʊr
n. the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements; high-end fashion
n. the fashion industry, especially in the context of high-quality, custom-made clothing
couture = cout<sew> + ure<noun suffix>
- cout<sew>: From Old French coudre (to sew), derived from Latin consuere (to stitch together).
- ure<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating action, process, or result, from Latin -ura.
Etymology Origin:
The word couture originates from French, where it literally means "sewing" or "dressmaking." It evolved to signify high-fashion garments tailored by skilled artisans. The term reflects the craftsmanship and exclusivity associated with custom-made clothing, distinguishing it from mass-produced fashion. The Latin root consuere (to stitch together) underscores the meticulous artistry behind couture.
Paris is renowned for its luxury couture houses like Chanel and Dior.
She aspired to work in couture, designing bespoke gowns for elite clients.
The couture collection showcased intricate hand-embroidered details.
Couture garments often require hundreds of hours of labor.
His designs blurred the line between ready-to-wear and haute couture.