What does "couture" refer to in the fashion industry?

In the fashion industry, "couture" refers specifically to the design and manufacture of clothes tailored to the individual specifications of a client. This high-end segment of fashion emphasizes exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in unique pieces that complement the wearer’s personal style and body shape.

Couture fashion is often synonymous with the concept of bespoke tailoring, where garments are created for individual clients rather than produced en masse. This distinctiveness often places couture pieces at a premium price, highlighting the artistry and personalization involved in their creation.

Other options pertain to different aspects of the fashion industry. For instance, widespread clothing trends refer to styles that capture the attention of a large audience and can be seen in various markets, while mass-manufactured apparel relates to clothing produced in large quantities without the customization that couture offers. Standardized sizing for retail clothing addresses the way garments are fit according to a generalized sizing chart, which is in stark contrast to the tailor-made nature of couture garments.