The term became officially protected in France, with strict regulations formalized in 1945. Today, only a select few houses that meet rigorous criteria — like presenting at least 50 original designs per season and maintaining a dedicated Paris atelier — can officially call themselves haute couture.

Fashion that doesn’t just look beautiful, but carries deeper meaning through innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

In 1872 Montgomery Ward mailed the first fashion magazines to farm wives.