Haute Couture: This term refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture is high-end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high-quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable sewers.
The designer unveiled her haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Prêt-à-Porter: Also known as “ready-to-wear,” this term refers to factory-made clothing, sold in finished condition in standardized sizes. Unlike haute couture, prêt-à-porter garments are designed for mass production and are more accessible.
Many luxury brands balance between introducing haute couture and prêt-à-porter lines to cater to different markets.
Tailoring: This involves selectively fitting or altering clothes to a particular size or shape. Traditionally, tailoring refers to the custom fitting of men’s suits but has expanded to include modifications for all types of clothing.
Good tailoring can make any outfit look polished and professional.
Seamstress: A person, typically a woman, who sews or alters garments professionally. A seamstress can work in various settings from small tailor shops to large fashion houses.
The skilled seamstress repaired the delicate fabric of the vintage dress.
Fashionista: A person who has an intense interest in fashion and who follows the latest trends closely. Fashionistas are often seen as trendsetters in the fashion community.
As a fashionista, she attended every runway show she could during fashion week.
Lookbook: A collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, photographer, style, stylist, or clothing line. Lookbooks are a great way to showcase fashion designs and they help in visualizing how different outfits are styled.
The designer’s lookbook featured a creative play of textures and colors.
Runway: The stage that models walk on to showcase fashion designers’ new collections and creations. Runways are integral to fashion shows and can vary greatly in length, width, and design.
The models practiced walking on the runway before the show started.
Trendsetter: An individual who influences fashion trends and whose style is often imitated by others. Trendsetters are usually ahead of the mainstream and can predict or set future trends.
She was a trendsetter, always wearing styles that became popular months later.
Garment: An article of clothing. The term is usually used in the fashion and textile industries to denote a particular piece of clothing in the context of its design or manufacture.
Each garment in the collection had a unique element that set it apart.
Textile: A type of material composed of natural or synthetic fibers. Types of textiles include fabric made from wool, cotton, or other materials. Textiles are used to make garments and other items.
The designer sourced sustainable textiles for her eco-friendly fashion line.
Pattern: A template from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before being cut out and assembled. Patterns are also used to create multiple copies of the same garment.
She adjusted the pattern to add a more modern silhouette to the dress.
Stitch: A single turn or loop of thread or yarn. Stitches are the fundamental elements of sewing, knitting, embroidery, and needlework projects, holding together pieces of fabric or adding decorative details.
Each stitch was meticulously sewn to ensure the quilt’s durability.
Fitting: A session where a garment is tried on, and adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit. Fittings are crucial in both haute couture and custom tailoring.
After three fittings, her wedding dress fit her perfectly.
Collection: In fashion, a collection refers to a designer’s clothing line for a specific season which usually includes designs with some common theme or aesthetic.
The spring collection drew inspiration from vintage botanical illustrations.
Accessory: An item that is used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit. Accessories are often used to complete an outfit and chosen to specifically complement the wearer’s look.
Her outfit was accessorized with a chic belt and a matching clutch.
Vintage: Referring to clothing and accessories that are at least 20-30 years old. Vintage items are valued for their aesthetic and historical significance and are often collected or sold at a premium.
She loved shopping for vintage clothes because each piece had its own story.
Understanding these terms not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives you deeper insights into the world of fashion, enabling a better appreciation of the artistry and work involved in bringing clothing to the market.
