Maison Martin Margiela goes couture

The prestigious French couture governing body

The Commission de Classement Couture Création in Paris have accepted Maison Martin Margiela into the world of couture. Also admitted was designer Alexis Mabille.

Couture status is determined by the numbers of looks shown; the size of the atelier; the standard of bespoke and handmade pieces; and whether or not the label shows the mandatory two collections a year. Mabille has been showing couture collections since 2008, while Margiela debuted its first haute line in July.

Other fashion houses to recently launch couture include Dolce & Gabbana, who showcased its Alta Moda line in July in Sicily to a select group of press.