French
The French terms that define haute couture, the ateliers, and the grammar of Parisian fashion.
36 terms
- Appliqué
- Decorative fabric sewn onto another fabric.
- Atelier
- A designer's workshop or studio, often associated with haute couture fashion.
- Avant-garde
- Pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, often with experimental and unconventional designs.
- Batiste
- A fine, soft, semi-sheer fabric made from cotton, linen, wool, or polyester.
- Bouclé
- A fabric made from looped yarn, giving it a textured, curly surface.
- Boutique
- A small shop that typically sells high-end or fashionable clothes and accessories.
- Brocade
- A rich, decorative fabric often made from silk, with intricate patterns usually in gold or silver thread.
- Chambray
- A lightweight fabric with a blue and white check pattern, typically made from cotton or linen.
- Charmeuse
- A lightweight, satin-weave fabric with a shiny front and dull back, commonly made from silk.
- Chemise
- A loose-fitting, sleeveless undergarment or lingerie piece, often unfitted at the waist.
- Chenille
- A fabric with a fuzzy pile, similar to velvet, created from the yarns that produce a soft, plush texture.
- Chiffon
- A lightweight, sheer, and flowing fabric with a slightly textured finish.
- Couture
- High-end, custom-made clothing, often made by hand from high-quality materials.
- Cravat
- A scarf-like necktie, typically formal and worn with a suit.
- Crêpe
- A fabric with a slightly rough, crinkled texture due to twisted yarns, offering a unique drape.
- Crepe de Chine
- A lightweight fabric made from silk or polyester, known for its matte finish and slightly crinkled texture.
- Décolleté
- The part of the chest and shoulders exposed by a low-cut neckline in a garment.
- Défilé
- A fashion show, typically showcasing a designer's latest collection.
- Denim
- A sturdy cotton twill fabric typically used for jeans and other casual clothing, characterized by its diagonal weave and blue color (though other colors exist).
- Drapé
- The way fabric hangs and falls on a body or object, creating folds and movement.
- Faille
- A ribbed fabric with a slightly glossy finish, often made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
- Georgette
- A sheer, lightweight fabric, typically made from silk or polyester, with a slightly crinkled texture.
- Jacquard
- A type of fabric with complex patterns woven directly into it using different colored threads.
- Lingerie
- Women's undergarments and sleepwear, often made from delicate fabrics and designed for comfort and sometimes aesthetics.
- Matelassé
- A fabric that appears to be quilted or padded, but is actually woven on a jacquard loom to create a raised pattern.
- Métiers D'Art
- French for 'Art Crafts'. Refers to high-end fashion collections created using traditional craftsmanship and expertise in specialized areas like embroidery, featherwork, and pleating.
- Moire
- A fabric treated to give it a rippled or watered appearance, often made from silk or a synthetic fiber.
- Organdy
- A fine, sheer fabric, typically made from cotton, that is crisp and lightweight.
- Piqué
- A fabric with a raised, patterned texture, often used in cotton shirts and dresses.
- Prêt-à-porter
- Ready-to-wear clothing, as opposed to haute couture or bespoke tailoring. It is mass-produced in standard sizes.
- Taffeta
- A smooth, crisp fabric with a high sheen, typically made from silk or polyester and used for formal wear.
- Tailleur
- A women's tailored suit, traditionally consisting of a jacket and skirt or trousers.
- Tulle
- A fine, lightweight net fabric often used for veils, skirts, and decorations, characterized by its airy and transparent nature.
- Voile
- A lightweight, semi-sheer fabric, usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, often used for dresses and blouses.