Decoding Fashion Industry Jargon: Know Your Terms Better
The fashion industry is known for its vibrant and ever-evolving nature. With countless new trends, styles, and terminologies emerging each year, it can be a daunting task to keep up with the latest fashion jargon. From runway lingo to industry-specific terms, it can be overwhelming for even the most fashion-savvy individuals to constantly stay updated. To help you navigate through this complex world of fashion terminology, we have decoded some of the most commonly used jargon in the industry. So, whether you are a fashion enthusiast or a professional looking to expand your knowledge, keep reading to learn more about the fashion industry jargon and know your terms better.
What is Fashion Jargon?
Fashion jargon, also known as fashion-speak or fashion terms, refers to the specific words and phrases used within the fashion industry. It is a specialized vocabulary that is used to describe and communicate various elements of fashion, including garments, accessories, fabrics, designs, and trends. Similar to any other industry, the fashion industry has its own set of jargon and terminology that is not commonly used in everyday language. However, understanding these terms is crucial for anyone who wants to have a thorough understanding of the fashion world.
Decoding Fashion Industry Jargon
Haute Couture
This is a French term that translates to “high fashion”. Haute couture refers to the creation of custom-made, high-end fashion pieces designed for a specific individual. These garments are carefully handcrafted using the highest quality materials and are often one-of-a-kind. Haute couture collections are presented biannually in Paris and are known for their extravagant designs and extraordinary craftsmanship.
Pret-a-porter
Pret-a-porter, also known as ready-to-wear, refers to the ready-made clothing that is mass-produced and available for purchase off the rack. Unlike haute couture, pret-a-porter collections are designed for the general public and are more affordable and accessible. These collections are usually presented during fashion weeks and are what you see in stores.
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is a term used to describe the high-speed production and distribution of clothing to meet the demands of the latest trends. This business model involves producing large quantities of inexpensive clothing at a rapid pace, often resulting in lower quality garments to keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends. While fast fashion may seem attractive due to its affordability and availability, it has a negative impact on the environment and exploitation of workers in developing countries.
Designer vs. High Street
Designer clothing refers to the high-end, luxury fashion brands that are exclusive and known for their high-quality and expensive products. On the other hand, high street fashion refers to the more affordable, mass-market clothing found in popular retail stores. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference in terms of price, quality, and exclusivity.
Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of timeless and versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfit combinations. It is designed to encourage minimalism and reduce the number of unnecessary items in your wardrobe. The concept of a capsule wardrobe is to invest in quality pieces that will last for a long time rather than buying trendy and cheap clothing items that will quickly go out of style.
Gender-Fluid Fashion
Gender-fluid fashion is a trend that is gaining popularity in the fashion world. It refers to the blurring of traditional gender boundaries in clothing and encourages wearing whatever feels comfortable and expresses one’s personal style, regardless of gender. This movement aims to break free from the societal norms of dressing based on gender and promote inclusivity and self-expression.
Fashion Forward vs. Basic
Fashion forward refers to individuals who are known for their unique and avant-garde fashion style. They are not afraid to take risks and experiment with new trends, making them trendsetters in the fashion world. On the other hand, basic refers to individuals who stick to timeless and classic styles and may not be as adventurous with fashion choices.
Conclusion
From haute couture to gender-fluid fashion, understanding the various terms used in the fashion industry is essential for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and have a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving world of fashion. With the fashion industry constantly evolving, new terms will continue to emerge. But armed with this knowledge, you will be better equipped to keep up with the fashion jargon and know your terms better.
So, the next time you hear someone mention these fashion terms, you will know exactly what they mean, and might even impress your fashion-savvy friends with your extensive knowledge of fashion jargon.
