Though fashion is my first love, literature is a close second. Lucky for me, The New York Times provides readers like me with beautifully articulated words to describe a mostly visual world.
With Paris fashion week in full swing, I often find myself referring to the NY Times above any other source to catch the scoop on what's going on.
One of my favorite designers is Phoebe Philo for Celine so I was THRILLED to see that Cathy Horyn did the honors of reviewing the Paris fashion week show. I really wanted to see what she had to say after seeing the debut of Celine's "furry" line of shoes. Yikes. As a fashion journalist, Horyn and others of the field have their own language when reporting; and without even looking at the images readers can visualize the essence of the show. And the furry shoes.
Here's a link to the review: Céline Keeps the Paris Winners Coming
I, on the other hand, personally did the honors of picking apart Cathy's report and came up with some examples of her fashion reporter language use:
1. Silhouette/ Design
-Minimalism
-Lean
-"Full of slouch"
-Sleeveless
-Down Low
-Across bust
-Cropped
-Fold over
-Above the ankles
-Rolled collar
-Fluted skirt
-Semi fitted
-Corseted
-Pant-suit
2. Details
-Metal
-Frayed
-Furry
-Twisted
-Cookie cutter
-Piled
-Pressed
-Stitched
-Crushed
-Zippered
-Polka dotted
3. Color
-Creamy white
-Chick-yellow
-Noir
-Rough Navy
-Play-doh pink
-Pale gold
-Silver-gray
-Commando Khaki
4. Fabric
-Crepe
-Sateen
-Leather
-Linen
-Mink
-Satin
-Felt
-Denim
-Nylon
-Mesh
-Tweed
-Chiffon
5. Creative Jargon
-Chunky
-Droopy
-Burlap rough
-Squashy
-Slouchy
-Clean
-Fluid
-Funky
-Audacious
-Enameled
-Kooky
-Parachute soft
-Sweet
-Commando
-Broken-down
-Rowdy
-Wintry
-Lethargic
….and the list goes on. Seriously! Cathy, among other fashion journalists, have mastered the art of word and portrayal of visual elements with the use of their very own language. Love it!
xoxo Melissa
I heard about the furry shoes at Celine, so good to actually see them! I love how Cathy Horyn calls the sandals "mink lined leather shower shoes," that is sooo what they look like.
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