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Impress Fashionistas with these 12 Stylish Terms

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To be on the inside, you must talk like an insider. Each niche, no matter how big or small, has its own language, its slang that separates the ones in the know from the outsiders. The fashion world is no different in this sense and it has many terms to describe and define the countless aspects that make it what it is today.

From haute couture to prêt-à-porter, the fashion world has countless terms and expressions. Whether you're a seasoned fashionista or a casual observer, this lexicon exploration will provide explanations for some of the most used words in the industry.

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In its French original, haute couture translates to "high sewing", meaning the most exclusive, handcrafted fashion. The term is synonymous with the superb craftsmanship associated with custom-made garments.

To be officially recognized as haute couture, designers must adhere to strict criteria outlined by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, ensuring that each creation is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Image: Elio Santos

What might seem like a granny activity to some, actually has roots that date back to the Iron Age. This meticulous craft involves decorating textiles with needle and thread, creating intricate patterns, and adding texture to garments. Across centuries and civilizations, embroidery has been a means of showcasing the skilled hands of artisans.

Today, embroidery continues blending tradition with contemporary design, adorning everything from traditional garments to modern streetwear.

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

The term originated in the 1920s when Coco Chanel introduced cruise wear for clients vacationing on cruise ships. Also known as resort or holiday collections, they cater to a global clientele seeking stylish ensembles for winter getaways or transitional seasons.

Today, the cruise collection showcases innovative designs that anticipate upcoming trends while offering a glimpse of what's to come in the world of high fashion.

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In the world of fashion, the term atelier signifies the place where the magic happens and haute couture garments are created. It transcends its literal French translation, which means workshop or studio.

Ateliers have always served as the spaces where meticulous handcrafting transforms fabrics into exquisite garments. These workshops, often associated with iconic names like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, embody the synthesis of artistic vision and technical wizardry.

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The term "diffusion line" in the fashion realm is the name given to a secondary collection launched by a high-end designer label, offering a more affordable range compared to their main line.

This trend originated in the mid-20th century with designers seeking to broaden their reach by creating these diffusion lines, making their clothes more attainable for a wider audience. These collections retain a connection to the designer's style but often incorporate simpler designs and materials, allowing fashion enthusiasts access to the brand without the premium price tag.

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A "fad" is a trend that experiences a sudden intense popularity burst that's typically short-lived. Originating from the Middle English word fadde, meaning to fade, the term describes these fleeting fashion phenomena.

Fads can emerge from various sources, including celebrity endorsements, social media, or runway showcases, among others. Often characterized by their rapid rise and fall, fads capture the public's attention before evolving into the next wave of trends.

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In the world of fashion, "bespoke" is a term that symbolizes the top of individualized craftsmanship. It refers to clothing made to order, tailored precisely to the client's unique measurements and preferences. This artisanal approach ensures an impeccable fit and allows for personalization in design, fabric, and detailing.

Yes, it comes with a higher price tag and longer production times but, still, no one can deny that bespoke garments exude excellence and exclusivity.

Image: Sasha Freemind

When talking about a silhouette in the fashion realm, the term is used to describe more than its literal meaning of an outline or shape. It becomes a fundamental concept representing the overall form and structure of a garment.

Whether it's the dramatic hourglass of eras gone by or the more minimalist lines of contemporary fashion, the silhouette is the form through which garments communicate the style and identity of their designer.

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In the fashion lexicon, "knit" refers to a versatile technique of fabric construction, done by interlocking yarns with needles or machines.

Knitwear can range from cozy sweaters to intricate lace patterns. This technique allows for stretch, comfort, and breathability, making it a classic in various styles and seasons. From casual streetwear to high fashion, knit fabrics are just about everywhere.

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A "knock-off" is, quite simply, an imitation. In the fashion world, it refers to a copy or imitation of a popular and often high-end garment or accessory. It can be a suspiciously cheap high-end handbag sold from the back of a car in an alley or a garment sold in a big store. Knock-offs aim to mimic the aesthetic of original items, often more expensive, at a fraction of the cost.

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The concept of putting pieces together to create something new is nothing new in itself. And neither is its use in the fashion world, where is referred to as "patchwork".

The whole idea originated from the very practical necessity of mending garments. The assemblage of different fabrics into a cohesive whole adds texture and visual interest to clothing and accessories. In modern fashion, patchwork allows designers to blend styles, colors, and patterns, resulting in garments that are not only unique but also tell the story of the diverse materials that comprise them.

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Also known as "off-the-rack", this is a quite straightforward expression used to describe ready-to-wear clothing available for immediate purchase, as opposed to custom-made garments. Literally, taken right off the clothing rack.

Prêt-à-porter clothing is produced in standard sizes and can be found in retail stores, providing a quick and accessible option for those seeking fashionable pieces without the wait or expense associated with made-to-order items.

TALES OF THE BULL MOOSE

Discover the amazing life of America’s 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt!

Image: Brandon Mowinkel

In 2016, a fake photo of Teddy Roosevelt riding a moose through a lake completely baffled the internet. While the photo was certainly weird, what was so confusing about it was that the one U.S. president we could have expected to ride a wild animal with ease was Theodore Roosevelt. Besides, wasn’t he known as the "Bull Moose" candidate in 1912?

While the moose photo was definitely photoshopped, few American presidents have amassed as many fun and quirky anecdotes as Teddy Roosevelt. We have decided to pay tribute to our 26th president with a small biography that showcases ten moments that show both his fun side, as well as his unbreakable work ethic. Like Teddy Roosevelt once said: "When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all."

Image: Sahej Brar

We’ll start at the very beginning, in President Roosevelt’s childhood. Born on October 27, 1858, young Teddy was completely different from the image of toughness and resilience his future self would give: he was a frail kid, often troubled by asthma and illness. He was, however, an avid outdoors fan, and would often test the limits of his physical strength outside.

According to a popular myth, President Roosevelt cured his asthma by enduring vigorous exercise. While this isn’t completely true, since he suffered a few asthmatic episodes as an adult, Teddy did go through an intense routine in his teenage years, becoming proficient in boxing, judo, and weightlifting.

Image: Emily Karakis

By the fall of 1876, a 17-year-old Teddy started attending Harvard University, where he showed a particular interest in biology, science, and rhetoric. He also participated in rowing and boxing and became an editor for The Harvard Advocate, the university’s art and literary magazine.

If the numerous anecdotes about his time in Harvard are to be believed, Teddy was an energetic and boisterous debater, often striking his hand into his palm to highlight a point. He was also a member of the Porcellian Club, one of the country’s most prestigious final clubs.

Image: Jed Owen

In 1883, while hunting bison in the Dakotas, Teddy became intrigued with the idea of becoming a rancher, since cattle ranching was becoming a booming industry in the territory. He invested $14,000 (over $400,000 by today’s standards), and spent the following years traveling between New York and his ranch in North Dakota, which he named "Elkhorn Ranch".

During his time in North Dakota, Roosevelt published three books on frontier life and helped organize ranchers to address shared issues. The site on which Elkhorn Ranch is still standing, and is a protected unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Image: Daniel Ian

During his time in North Dakota, Roosevelt didn’t settle with just being a rancher: In 1886, he became a deputy sheriff in Billings County. It was during this time that one of the most action-packed anecdotes of his life took place: the time he helped chase down a gang of boat thieves.

After his beloved boat was stolen, Roosevelt enlisted two of his ranch hands and trailed these thieves through the freezing waters of the Little Missouri River. After three days of bravely coursing through the icy and treacherous river, Roosevelt's group tracked down the thieves and apprehended them. Victorious, Teddy spent the long way back home reading Leon Tolstoi’s classic novel "Anna Karenina."

Image: Sean Foster

We are now entering the period that separates young Teddy from President Roosevelt. However, we can still consider these his juvenile years: After all, Teddy is the youngest president in U.S. history.

After William McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Vice President Roosevelt became the 26th American president, at 42 years of age. While Presidents Kennedy and Clinton were pretty close at taking the title (Kennedy was 43 when he was sworn in, and Clinton was 46), Teddy still remains America’s youngest president (for now, at least).

Image: Melissa McGovern

In 1905, President Roosevelt summoned representatives from Harvard, Columbia, and Yale universities to take on a challenge in sports: the increasing number of injuries and deaths in football. Approximately 45 players died between 1900 and 1905 as a result of collisions, so naturally, Teddy sought to make this beloved sport of his safer.

The changes that Roosevelt added to football include making first down at 10 yards instead of 5, adding a forward pass that would add distance between players, and authorizing a neutral zone between defense and offense. While football is still far from completely safe, these reforms helped reduce the number of casualties and serious injuries.

Image: Laark Boshoff

Did you have a favorite teddy bear as a child? A little huggable companion called "Buttons" or "Snickerdoodle"? Well, you might be surprised to know that, no matter what you called that fuzzy friend, the name "Teddy Bear" itself pays homage to Teddy Roosevelt.

In 1902, President Roosevelt was invited by Mississippi Governor Andrew H. Longino to a hunting trip on "the Magnolia State.'' Since Teddy hadn’t been able to hunt any animal, a group of hunters on the group cornered and tied a black bear to a tree for him to shoot. However, President Roosevelt refused, since he considered it unsportsmanlike. After this anecdote was featured in a Washington Post cartoon, it sparked so much national interest that a Brooklyn-based businessman designed a toy bear and placed him on the window of his shop with the caption "Teddy’s Bear."

Image: Aaron Burden

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but thanks to this story, we at least know that words are sturdy enough to stop a bullet. In 1912, Teddy Roosevelt was giving a speech in Milwaukee when he suffered an assassination attempt by a man named John Schrank. The would-be assassin shot at the former president, but luckily the bullet was stopped by a stack of papers that contained Roosevelt’s speech.

Determined to prove his "Bull Moose" endurance, Teddy announced to a shocked crowd that he had been shot, only to continue immediately after with his speech. He continued to speak for approximately 90 minutes before finally allowing his staff to take him to a hospital. Roosevelt survived the attempt without any serious injuries, except for the bullet lodged in his ribs that stayed there until his death.

Image: Arnor Ingi Juliusson

In 1914, Teddy Roosevelt met the world’s most famous illusionist aboard the SS Imperator. Houdini was returning from a tour through the United Kingdom, while the former president was returning from a European trip that culminated in his son Kermit’s wedding in Madrid. This odd couple became friends quickly and exercised together every morning.

When Houdini was asked by an officer to perform an impromptu show, the illusionist performed a séance on which he correctly conjectured that Roosevelt had recently been on a trip through Brazil. A flabbergasted Teddy (who didn’t know that Houdini already knew that he would be on the ship) then allegedly asked the magician if he dealt with the dark arts.

Image: Josh Applegate

We’ll end this article with another time in which President Roosevelt met a famous person, although at a time at which he hadn’t gained notoriety yet. In 1918, a young Theodor Geisel, later known as Dr. Seuss, sold war bonds as part of his Boy Scouts troop. Theodor became one of Springfield’s top bond salesmen, so he was recognized alongside other scouts with an award given by former President Roosevelt.

However, at the ceremony, Teddy accidentally received only nine medals for the ten recipients, and, as luck would have it, young Dr. Seuss was the only one without a medal. Since Roosevelt thought that only nine children had been commended, when Theodor crossed the stage the president asked "What’s this kid doing here?" According to the beloved author, this event was the reason he developed a phobia of speaking in front of large crowds.