History In France, the term haute couture is protected by law and is defined by the Paris Chamber of Commerce based in Paris. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode is defined as "the regulating commission that determines which fashion houses are eligible to be true haute couture houses". Couture means dressmaking or sewing, and haute couture is a French term for high-end fashion. Learn the difference between couture and haute couture, why couture is expensive, and where to buy customized fashion in LA. A. high-fashion designing and dressmaking b. (as modifier).... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video. Definition of couture noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.