Fashion Glossary

The designers, models and fashion lingo all true fashionistas already know.

Designers

Christian Dior
The designer who redefined fashion in the 50s with a new curvaceous silhouette known as the “New Look.” Dior died in 1957 and drama-loving John Galliano now designs the collection.

Tom Ford
The former creative mind behind Gucci, Ford is possibly the most influential designer of the last decade. Women and men lust after him and anything he puts his name to, whether it’s cosmetics for Estée Lauder, his own line of perfume or his new line of menswear, makes millions.

Marc Jacobs
As the head designer at Louis Vuitton and his own labels, Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, he designs for the it girls – Kirsten Dunst, Sofia Coppola and Scarlett Johansson.

Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein pioneered designer jeans and underwear. His name is so well known that in Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty, was mistaken for someone named Calvin because that’s what it said on his tighty whiteys. The CK line is now being designed by Francisco Costa.

Michael Kors
A favourite with celebs and rich women alike, Michael Kors makes clothes that are both uber stylish and pragmatic.

Karl Lagerfeld
The previously pudgy eccentric designs Chanel, Fendi and his own label, Karl Lagerfeld. He also did a capsule collection for H&M.

Yves Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is known as one of the most influential designers of the 21st century. He retired at 65 in 2002 and Prada and Armani alum Stefano Pilati took over.

Paul Poiret
Many designers took inspiration from the art-deco-era fashion visionary for fall/winter 07/08. The Parisian was known for his signature rose motif, elaborately embellished dresses and creating the first modern brassiere.

Miuccia Prada
No matter where you shop, you’ve probably bought a Prada knock-off. The influential designer behind Prada and Miu Miu has been a trendsetter since 1978.

Donatella Versace
You’ve probably seen her spoofed on Saturday Night Live. The over-the-top blonde took over the reigns at Versace after her brother Gianni was tragically murdered in 1997.

Clothing terms

Brocade
A thick, luxurious fabric often woven into patterns with metallic threads.

Cowl neck
An oversized turtleneck that drapes from the neck down the chest.

Epaulets
Strips of fabric attached to the shoulder of a shirt or jacket with a button, originally used in military uniforms.

Funnel neck
An short turtleneck with an oversized opening, often used on jackets.

Henley
A top that has buttons from the neckline halfway down.

Herringbone
A fabric featuring zigzag lines in two contrasting colours.

Houndstooth
A graphic pattern, usually in black and white, that looks like jagged teeth.

Jacquard
A high-quality patterned fabric made from a specific loom which originated in 1801 in France.

Jersey
A soft cotton blend used in t-shirts and dresses.

Knitted fabric
A stretchy fabric made of cotton, wool or synthetic yarns looped together. Tshirts, jogging pants, sweaters and anything jersey are all knits.

Patent
A high shine leather.

Pencil skirt
A straight skirt that tapers at the knees.

Peplum
A flared piece of fabric, like a mini skirt, usually attached to the bottom of a jacket or blouse.

Raglan sleeves
Sleeves that are attached at a diagonal so the seam runs from the neckline to the underarm.

Shift Dress
A sleeveless dress with a boxy shape.

Woven fabric
A usually non-elastic fabric made by weaving thin threads together (lycra and other elastic threads can be added for stretch). Button-up shirts, jeans and tweeds are woven.

Fashion’s best for fall/winter

Boy blazer
The jacket shape Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere favoured for fall. Think private school boy.

Colour blocking
Think graphic geometric shapes in bold colours. You don’t need to buy a colour-blocked dress or top, you can combine and layer solid coloured clothes.

Day dress
Dresses don’t go to the back of the closet once summer has passed. Layered with turtlenecks and in heavier fall fabrics, the dress is the perfect no-fuss ensemble.

Menswear
This season sees the return of the ’80s powerful woman and along with her comes the power suit, inspired by menswear but tailored for women.

Puff coats
For some reason, that marshmallow shape is chic for winter, so pull out your old puffy parkas and revive them with a waist-defining belt.

Strong shoulders
They’re not exactly the shoulder pads of the ’80s. These shoulders and are inspired by a mix of ’40s screen sirens and futuristic architecture.

Volume
It’s been the buzzword since last fall and it’s here to stay. It’s a tricky trend to follow so stick with either a top or bottom with a little pouf, not both or you’ll look like a misshapen balloon.

Wasp waist
A waist cinched in and contrasted with a subtly voluminous skirt.

Wide leg pants
Skinny pants aren’t out but now you have a choice – and trouser-style pants with pleats and high waists are a good one.

Winter white
Not that it ever went away, but designers this year definitely took inspiration from ski bunnies and ice princesses alike.

By: Vanessa Grant

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