Every haute couture house also markets prêt-à-porter collections, which, being less quality and technical expertise and not bespoke, are often called couture in deference to the bespoke nature of haute couture.
Haute Couture is monitored by the Chambre syndical de la haute couture – the designing and making of cutting edge, fashionable, to-measure clothing; design and craftsmanship at the highest level. This industry employs the best designers, textiles, cutters, stitchers, embroiderers, fitters, workmanship and experts in personal relationships.
The criteria for haute couture that were established in 1945 and updated in 1992, are rigidly followed. The atelier must:
* Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings
* Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen staff members full-time.
* Must have twenty, full-time technical people in at least one workshop (atelier).
* Every season, present a collection of at least fifty original designs to the public, both day and evening garments, in January and July of each year.