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Haute couture ('high sewing') originated in Paris in the late 19th century.

Fast forward a century and the playing field has been leveled - as traditional fashion designers concentrate on more profitable lines - like shoes, perfume, handbags and ready-to-wear. (The eyebrow-raising runway creations are simply a means of bringing attention to what's offered off-the-rack.)

The super-rich still engage the top designers for a custom frock, but they remain the exception rather than the rule.

Find out more about the world of high fashion with insider info on who's hot, what's coming down the runway right now, or take time to window shop online luxury stores with additional links to the world's top designers.

Fashion.net - Your first stop for all things design and featuring clean, elegant pages directing visitors to the major fashion houses in New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo plus more online browsing for the current art & design scene, together with a directory of the world's chic-est online shops.

Bergdorf Goodman - A sure bet for luxury shopping for women's & men's clothing, shoes & fragrances and, if you don't see your favorite featured on the front page, see the complete designer index to shop by premier, contemporary or denim collections.

Neiman Marcus - More colorful, youthful luxury clothing lines for men & women,along with the latest expensive electronic gizmos, jewelry & handbags, couture for kids, designer maternity clothes & accessories, and check out the clearance section searchable by size, price or designer.

Saks Fifth Avenue - Like having your own personal Saks shopper online with guides to who's hot & what's cooking right now in women's designer fashion along with men's and kids clothes & accessories, jewelry & handbags, gifts, and a nationwide store locator.

Nordstrom - Fun layout including a virtual shopping trip to explore their latest designer collections with an online "assistant" to answer your questions. Check out men's & women's clothing, teen fashion, kids clothes, jewelry, perfume & fragrances.

Fashion 411 - An eyeful of the latest trends from the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan, along with a fashion calendar of events, shopping guides and fashion tips, designer directory with contact details and official Web sites.

New York Fashion Guide - From New York Metro.com, featuring fashion news and celebrity story articles, the latest fashion trends and an extensive library of designer bio's.

The Top Design Houses:

also in Fashion | Clothing -> Jewelry | Purses & Handbags

Scarves | Tuxedos | Watches | Women's Clothing

also see -> Pop Culture: Fashion | New York Fashion Week