Uncommon Fashion Terms All Fashionistas Know (Or SHOULD Know!)

After the email responses I received from many of you on the last newsletter on Fashion Terms from A to Z, I decided in future posts that I would break these fashion terms down into small chunks that were easily digestible. Some of you liked that I included so many the last time but many others simply went into overwhelm and said that their eyes started glazing over around midway. Oops.

So, this time I am going to just give you just three fashion terms to wrap your head around – these are not so common – with some visuals for those of you that like to see examples. I hope this time to satisfy all!

Here we go…

Napping:

Napping is a process that creates a certain finish on fabrics. There are a few ways to create this “nap” look: Short fibers are lifted either by a machine covered with fine wire teeth, that pick and raise loose fibers, and at the same time fuse the ends together preventing frays, or fabrics are brushed or rubbed together to lift the fibers.

I am not including a visual on Napping because it is not needed, just think of these types of fabrics, and you’ll know exactly what napping is: velvet, velour, corduroy, fleece, terry cloth, and fake fur.

Outré:

O is for Outré, and it is also for the Outrageous, which is exactly what you might call someone who is a bit eccentric and highly unconventional. They might even border on being weird or bizarre but instead of using those words to describe the startling styles that can don the fashion runways and the street style celebs, “we”, in the fashion industry like to call them Outré!

Passementerie Edging:

If you’re one who can afford the pleasures of wearing haute couture, then you surely know about Passementerie Edging. And even if you’ve never donned a couture garment you may still know this ornamental edging or trim, as it is often used in ready to wear (RTW), albeit not so elaborately.

This edging is usually made of cording, braiding, lace, or metallic beading, and many times this gorgeous trim is often seen paired with jet or metal beads, or tassels.

I was fortunate enough to work with many of these types of trims when I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jessica McClintock assisting her in the designs of her couture collection many moons ago.  I was a fresh fervent graduate from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and not quite the fashionista…yet. ?

So, how’s that for taking fashion terms and chunking them down into small bites? Are we all good? Yes? Awesome. In no time these terms will roll off the tip of your tongue like you’ve been speaking them for years. 🙂

*****

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below. I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle