Today is the first day of New York Fashion Week (NYFW). This week, top fashion designers from all over the world will show their 2017 Spring/Summer collections to buyers, the press and the general public. This semi-annual event kicks off the fashion season, with shows in London, Milan and Paris that follow shortly after. Come discover the fashion world with these 10 new words to add to your vocabulary:
1. runway (noun): a raised aisle extending into the audience from a stage, especially as used for fashion shows
Ex: Models will walk down the runway wearing fashion designers’ latest collections this week.
2. sartorial (adjective): of or relating to tailoring, clothes or style of dress
Ex: The wide range of designers present during the week usually offers something for every sartorial inclination.
3. must-have (noun): an essential or highly desirable item
Ex: The bomber jacket is definitely a must-have item in 2016.
4. trend (noun): something that is currently popular or fashionable
Ex: This week will determine what some of the fashion trends for 2017 will be, which will influence what people wear next summer.
5. fashionista (noun): someone who is very interested in fashion or who works in the fashion industry
Ex: Social media and blogs offer a platform for fashionistas to follow and write about fashion trends and shows.
6. apparel (noun): refers to any men’s, women’s or children’s clothing
Ex: In 2013, Eden Miller was the first designer ever to show plus-size apparel at New York Fashion Week.
7. garment (noun): a particular article of apparel
Ex: High-tech garments, such as 3D-printed dresses or glowing sportswear, have also started to make an appearance on the runway.
8. craftsmanship (noun): the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry
Ex: Attending fashion shows gives you the chance to see how the clothes appear from a 360-degree viewpoint and to appreciate their craftsmanship up close.
9. ready-to-wear: clothes made for the general market and sold through stores rather than made to order for an individual customer; off the rack
Ex: Some luxury brands such as Chanel, Prada and Gucci also produce a ready-to-wear line, which returns a greater profit.
10. fashion icon (noun): a person or thing that is very well known as being highly fashionable
Ex: Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are considered some of the biggest fashion icons of all time.
Even if you’re not a fashionista, these words are definitely must-haves in your sartorial English vocabulary and will help you follow any apparel-related conversation you may have. If you want to learn more, log in to your English course now!
