Rosa Zúñiga Camacho receives support amid haute couture controversy

Venezuelan fashion designer Rosa Zúñiga Camacho has faced social media criticism after using the term ‘haute couture’ to describe her handmade dresses. The controversy began when critics argued the term is reserved exclusively for French fashion houses following specific legal criteria established in 1945.

In response to the backlash, Miss Universe Venezuela 2025 Clara Vegas Goetz and Miss International Venezuela 2025 Valeria Di Martino have publicly expressed their support for the designer, stating their desire to wear her pieces in their upcoming international competitions.

Legal expert Manuel Felipe Mirabal Montiel has also weighed in on the debate, providing a legal perspective on the term. He noted that while ‘haute couture’ carries specific legal distinctions and certification requirements historically linked to Paris, the debate touches upon the nuances of brand certification and intellectual property.