frfashion1-1, Exercise 1: Couture and ready-to-wear

Model answer (check the details):

Haute couture is made to measure for one client, in the house's own Paris workshops, with fittings. The term is protected by French law, so only houses that meet the conditions (a minimum number of skilled staff in Paris, collections shown twice a year, made-to-order clothes) can use it. Each piece can take hundreds of hours and costs a great deal.

Ready-to-wear (prêt-à-porter) is made in standard sizes, in larger numbers, and sold in shops. It is cheaper than couture, although at the top end it is still luxury.

Why a house still bothers with couture: it is a showcase for craft and creativity that attracts press attention and builds the brand's image, and it supports the workshops and skills the house relies on. Most of the money comes from ready-to-wear, accessories and perfume, so couture works as prestige rather than as the main source of income (check).

Care: the exact conditions for the label and the share of sales vary by house and year, so check current sources.