Paris, often referred to as the City of Light, is synonymous with fashion, and Parisian Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar. For language learners, this event presents a unique opportunity to expand your vocabulary in both French and English, while immersing yourself in the glamorous world of haute couture. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just looking to improve your language skills, this article will equip you with essential vocabulary and phrases to help you navigate the dazzling world of Parisian Fashion Week.
To start, let’s go over some basic vocabulary that will help you understand the general concept of Fashion Week.
Fashion Week (la Semaine de la mode) – This is the time when fashion designers, brands, or “houses” display their latest collections in runway shows to buyers and the media. Fashion Weeks occur in major fashion capitals like Paris, New York, Milan, and London.
Runway (la piste) – This is the platform where models walk to showcase the designer’s clothing. It’s also called a catwalk.
Collection (la collection) – This refers to the assortment of clothing and accessories that a designer has created for a particular season.
Haute Couture (la haute couture) – A French term meaning “high sewing” or “high dressmaking,” referring to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing.
Ready-to-Wear (le prêt-à-porter) – This refers to factory-made clothing, sold in finished condition, in standardized sizes, as distinct from haute couture.
Understanding who’s who in the fashion industry is crucial. Here are some key terms:
Designer (le créateur/la créatrice) – The person who creates and designs the clothing and accessories.
Model (le mannequin) – The person who wears the designer’s clothes on the runway.
Fashion Journalist (le journaliste de mode) – A writer who covers fashion events and trends.
Stylist (le styliste) – A person who coordinates outfits and accessories for a model, celebrity, or photo shoot.
Buyer (l’acheteur/l’acheteuse) – A person who selects and purchases clothing and accessories to be sold in retail stores.
Photographer (le photographe) – The person responsible for capturing images of the fashion shows, models, and clothing.
Being able to describe clothing and accessories is essential for anyone interested in fashion. Here’s some vocabulary to help you describe what you see:
Dress (la robe) – A one-piece garment for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
Suit (le costume) – A set of outer clothes made of the same fabric, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a skirt.
Jacket (la veste) – A mid-stomach–length garment for the upper body.
Skirt (la jupe) – A woman’s outer garment fastened around the waist and hanging down around the legs.
Blouse (le chemisier) – A woman’s upper garment resembling a shirt, typically with a collar, buttons, and sleeves.
Pants (le pantalon) – An outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle.
Shoes (les chaussures) – Coverings for the feet, typically made of leather, having a sturdy sole and not reaching above the ankle.
Accessory (l’accessoire) – An item that is added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.
Bag (le sac) – A container used for carrying personal items.
Scarf (l’écharpe) – A length of fabric worn around the neck, shoulders, or head.
Jewelry (les bijoux) – Decorative items worn on the body, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
In fashion, the type of fabric or material can greatly affect the look and feel of a garment. Here’s some useful vocabulary:
Cotton (le coton) – A soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of cotton plants.
Silk (la soie) – A natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles.
Wool (la laine) – The textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals.
Linen (le lin) – A textile made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Leather (le cuir) – A material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process.
Denim (le denim) – A sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically blue, used for jeans and other clothing.
Velvet (le velours) – A type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive feel.
Satin (le satin) – A weave that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back.
Lace (la dentelle) – A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.
Chiffon (le chiffon) – A lightweight, sheer fabric typically made of silk or nylon.
Fashion trends and styles are always evolving. Here are some terms that will help you stay up-to-date:
Trend (la tendance) – A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Style (le style) – A distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.
Classic (classique) – A style that remains in fashion for a long time.
Vintage (vintage) – Denoting something of high quality, especially something from the past or characteristic of the best period of a person’s work.
Avant-garde (avant-garde) – New and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.
Chic (chic) – Elegantly and stylishly fashionable.
Casual (décontracté) – Clothing suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions.
Bohemian (bohémien) – Socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of artists, writers, and others who lead a free-spirited lifestyle.
Minimalist (minimaliste) – A style that uses pared-down design elements.
Edgy (avant-gardiste) – At the forefront of fashion; unconventional, innovative.
Here are some phrases you might hear during Fashion Week or while discussing fashion:
“What’s in fashion?” (Qu’est-ce qui est à la mode ?) – This is a common question asked to know about the latest trends.
“This is so last season.” (C’est tellement de la saison dernière.) – Used to describe something that is out of style.
“Mix and match.” (Mélanger et assortir.) – Combining different pieces of clothing to create a unique look.
“Fashion faux pas.” (Faux pas de mode.) – A mistake in fashion, something that does not look good.
“Dressed to kill.” (Habillé pour tuer.) – Dressed very stylishly.
“Runway ready.” (Prêt pour le podium.) – Looking perfect, as if ready to walk on the runway.
“Off the rack.” (Prêt-à-porter.) – Ready-made clothing, as opposed to custom-made.
“Statement piece.” (Pièce maîtresse.) – An item of clothing or accessory that stands out and makes a bold statement.
“Fashion-forward.” (À la pointe de la mode.) – Someone who is ahead of current fashion trends.
“Tailor-made.” (Sur mesure.) – Custom-made clothing, made to fit an individual perfectly.
For those interested in diving deeper into the French language, here are some fashion-related terms in French that you might find useful:
La haute couture – High fashion, custom-fitted clothing.
Le prêt-à-porter – Ready-to-wear clothing.
Le défilé de mode – Fashion show.
Le créateur de mode – Fashion designer.
Le mannequin – Model.
La tendance – Trend.
Le style – Style.
Le chic – Chic or stylish.
Le tissu – Fabric or cloth.
La collection – Collection.
Le couturier – Dressmaker or tailor.
Le magasin de vêtements – Clothing store.
La robe de soirée – Evening gown.
Le tailleur – Suit (for women).
Le smoking – Tuxedo.
Le pantalon – Pants.
La veste – Jacket.
La chemise – Shirt.
La jupe – Skirt.
Les chaussures – Shoes.
Les accessoires – Accessories.
La mode – Fashion.
Le sac à main – Handbag.
Les bijoux – Jewelry.
La ceinture – Belt.
Les lunettes de soleil – Sunglasses.
Le foulard – Scarf.
Le chapeau – Hat.
If you ever get the chance to attend Parisian Fashion Week or any fashion-related event, here are some practical tips:
Research the Designers – Familiarize yourself with the designers who will be showcasing their collections. Knowing their style and previous work will help you appreciate their new creations more deeply.
Dress Appropriately – Fashion Week is all about style. Dress in a way that reflects your personal style but also shows respect for the event.
Network – Fashion Week is a great place to meet people in the industry. Be prepared to introduce yourself and engage in conversations.
Take Notes – Whether you’re a journalist, a buyer, or just a fashion enthusiast, taking notes can help you remember important details about the collections you see.
Stay Informed – Follow fashion blogs, magazines, and social media accounts to stay updated on the latest trends and events.
Practice Your Language Skills – Use the opportunity to practice your French or English. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the language.
Parisian Fashion Week is more than just a showcase of the latest trends; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and craftsmanship. For language learners, it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to expand your vocabulary and immerse yourself in a world where language and fashion intersect. By familiarizing yourself with the essential vocabulary and phrases outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the glamorous world of Parisian Fashion Week with confidence and style. Whether you’re attending the event in person or following along from afar, let the language of fashion inspire and enrich your learning journey.
Talkpal is AI-powered language tutor. Learn 57+ languages 5x faster with revolutionary technology.
Talkpal is a GPT-powered AI language teacher. Boost your speaking, listening, writing, and pronunciation skills – Learn 5x Faster!
Dive into captivating dialogues designed to optimize language retention and improve fluency.
Receive immediate, personalized feedback and suggestions to accelerate your language mastery.
Learn via methods tailored to your unique style and pace, ensuring a personalized and effective journey to fluency.
