Haute Couture Week begins in Paris

– A restricted circle - Only 13 houses hold the official "Haute Couture" accreditation, which is a legally protected term overseen by France's Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM). These include luxury heavyweights Dior, Chanel and Givenchy, as well as Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, Alexis Mabille and Schiaparelli. The designation is granted for one year only and must be renewed each season. Some major French labels are not included, such as Saint Laurent and Hermes. The...