The most exclusive of Fashion Weeks, Haute Couture is French for “High Fashion” or “High Dressmaking.” This invite-only event is strictly for established fashion houses that meet the rigorous criteria set by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture trade association in Paris.

Couture is any fashion piece that's handmade and one-of-a-kind. However, haute couture is high fashion clothing or also known as high-dressing made by atelier / fashion houses regulated by the French government.

The most prominent fashion weeks are held in the fashion capitals of the world—in chronological order, New York City, London, Milan, and Paris, or the "Big Four." The foundations of fashion week began in Paris in the late 1800s before spreading to New York, Milan, and London in the 20th century.