A grand couturier is a member of the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture.
Criteria
The official criteria, designed in 1945, originally implied presenting a certain number of original models each season, created by a permanent designer, handmade and bespoke models, a minimum number of people employed in the workshop and a minimum number of patterns "presented usually in Paris".[1] Since 2001 these criteria have been relaxed. The number of models to be shown on a seasonal basis has been reduced from 50 to 35. Also, the official appellation can be granted by the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture even if one criterion is not met.
Chambre syndicale has three types of members: Haute Couture Members, Corresponding Members and Guest Members. There are also fashion houses listed in its member list, which are not yet categorized as either of the three.[2]
Guests
Beside official members, the Chambre syndicale officially "invites" each season some "guests." They cannot use the term "haute couture" but only the term "couture" and can become grands couturiers after 2 years.[3]
International
The Chambre syndicale also recognizes foreign grands couturiers who do not show in Paris, referring to them as "membres correspondants".
Members of the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture
Haute Couture members according to the Autumn/Winter 2025-26 and Spring/Summer 2026 showings:[4][5]
- Adeline André
- Alexis Mabille
- Chanel
- Christian Dior
- Franck Sorbier
- Giambattista Valli
- Julien Fournié
- Maison Margiela
See also
- Haute couture
- Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode
- List of fashion designers
External links
References
- Une appellation réduite à 10 maisons - HAUTE COUTURE - Mode - France 2 - France 2 Culture.france2.fr, 2012-12-19, retrieved 2014-02-26^
- Fédération de la Haute couture et de la mode www.fhcm.paris, retrieved 2026-02-01^
- Une appellation réduite à 10 maisons - HAUTE COUTURE - Mode - France 2 - France 2