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A Luxury Fashion Dictionary With All the Answers
We've all been baffled by a fashion term at some point, right? Our fashion dictionary has the hard-to-find definitions that you've been searching for.
Accessory pocket
Inside handbags, an accessory pocket has an open top. Extra fabric at the sides gives it more depth than a flat pocket.
A-line
On dresses or skirts, an a-line silhouette slopes outward like a triangle or capital A shape.
Automatic movement
On watches, automatic movement means that it winds from the wearer's body motion, as opposed to a battery (see: quartz movement).
Bale
At the top of a pendant, a bale is the loop through which the necklace chain passes.
Bandouliere
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a bandouliere is a strap that allows the bag to be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody (see: crossbody).
Bezel
On jewelry and watches, a bezel is the setting that surrounds the focal point gemstone or watch face.
Boucle
On clothing (especially Chanel), boucle is a nubby tweed-like fabric typically made from varied colored and textured yarns (see: tweed).
Bowler
A bowler handbag silhouette has a domed top, flat bottom, and two handles.
Box chain
On jewelry, a box chain is constructed of rectangular-shaped links.
Brocade
Brocade fabrics have designs and motifs embroidered or debossed into their surfaces, and are not reversible due to the loose threads on the rear side (see: jacquard).
Bucket bag
A bucket handbag has a cylindrical shape and a flat bottom. It can have handles, a shoulder strap, or both.
Camera bag
A camera handbag is rectangular-shaped with a flat front. Its silhouette is inspired by vintage camera bags.
Case
On watches, a case houses the face, dials, and inner-workings of the timepiece (see:chronograph).
Caviar leather
On Chanel handbags and accessories, Caviar leather is one of the brand's signature materials, and is distinguished by its evenly pebbled surface texture.
CC turn-lock
On Chanel bags (especially on Classic Flap styles), a CC turn-lock features interlocking CCs with a center twist-lock closure (see: Mademoiselle lock).
Chevron
As a surface pattern, a chevron embellished piece features a series of repeating V or zig-zag shapes.
Chronograph
On watches, a chronograph feature means that the timepiece has a stopwatch feature that is controlled by a button on the side of the case (see: case).
Clochette
On handbags, a clochette is a bell-shaped leather key cover that's attached to a fob. Fobs with clochettes are often included on bags with locks (see:fob).
Clutch
A clutch handbag is hand-held, without a strap.
Coated canvas
On handbags and accessories, coated canvas is a water resistant material known for its durability. It features thick canvas covered by layers of a pliable resin-like material.
Continental wallet
A continental wallet is oblong and designed to store paper currency flat, unlike the smaller French wallet (see: French wallet).
Convertible
On handbags, a convertible piece can be worn or carried multiple ways. An example is a shoulder bag with a removable strap that can also be carried as a clutch or wristlet.
Crossbody
On handbags, a crossbody bag has a strap that's at least 21 inches long, allowing it to be worn diagonally across the shoulder (see: bandouliere).
Crystal
On watches, a crystal is the glass portion that sits on the front and covers the face.
Crystal canvas
On Gucci handbags, Crystal canvas is coated with a glossy high-shine top layer.
Debossed
On surface designs, debossed motifs are indented into the surface of the object (see: embossed).
D'Orsay
On shoes, a d'Orsay style features a closed toe and heel and open side vamp so that the wearer's foot arch is revealed.
East-West
On handbags, an east-west bag is horizontally shaped. The term is often used when there are similar bags in the same collection, but the east-west bag is more oblong than the other styles (see: north-south).
Embossed
On surface designs, embossed motifs are raised from the surface of the object (see: debossed).
Espadrille
On shoes, an espadrille style features braided jute on the sides of the sole.
Face
On a watch, a face is where the number markers and hands of the timepiece are affixed.
Fob
A strap that tethers a smaller object to a larger one, a fob is often seen on pocket watches and handbags (see: clochette).
French wallet
Also called a compact wallet, a French wallet folds paper currency in the middle when closed, as opposed to the oblong continental wallet (see: continental wallet).
Grained
On leather, grained surface texture is natural to the skin, as opposed to man-made.
Gripoix
On costume jewelry (especially Chanel), gripoix is a glass bead or cabochon known for its smooth surface. Gabrielle Chanel began using gripoix beads in her jewelry in the early 20th century.
Gussets
On handbags and wallets, gussets are pleated panels that allow open compartments to expand at the sides.
Hobo
A hobo handbag silhouette is crescent-shaped, with a short strap length that causes the bag to rest just under the shoulder.
Honed
On natural stones, a honed finish is smooth and even with a matte or somewhat matte appearance.
Ikat
An ikat surface design features yarns that are dyed prior to weaving to create a surface pattern.
Interlocking
Interlocking pieces are joined by overlapping portions. For example, a chain links are interlocking.
Jacquard
Jacquard fabrics have designs and motifs woven into their surfaces, and are reversible (see: brocade).
Kiss-lock
On handbags and small accessories, a kiss-lock clasp features two overlapping pieces that click together to stay closed.
Ligne
A French word that translates to line or collection, ligne is often used by Chanel to denote a group of similar bag styles.
Loafer
A loafer shoe is a unisex style that features a flat sole and vamp that is top-stitched to the toe cap.
Lobster claw clasp
As a jewelry or bag closure, a lobster claw has a curved top and a small lever that moves back to open the clasp.
Lucite
A hard poured plastic-like material that comes in a variety of colors, and can be used on anything from bags to shoe soles.
Mademoiselle lock
On Chanel bags (especially on Reissue styles), a Mademoiselle lock features a rectangular logo-inscribed plate with a center twist lock closure (see: CC turn-lock).
Mary-Jane
A Mary Jane shoe features a strap that crosses over the top of the foot and buckles or buttons on the outside of the vamp.
Mineral crystal
On watches, a mineral crystal is a piece of glass that covers the face. Due to its fabrication, it scratches more easily than a sapphire crystal (see: sapphire crystal).
Mixed media
A mixed media piece is made from a variety of materials. For example, a mixed media handbag can be made from python, ostrich, leather, and coated canvas.
Mules
Shoes which allow the wearer to slip his or her feet inside without a heel or foot strap (see: slides).
North-South
On handbags, a north-south bag is taller than it is wide. The term is often used when there are similar bags in the same collection, when the north-south bag is the taller one of the group (see: east-west).
Nubuck
Deerskin leather used for shoes, handbags, and other small accessories. Nubuck is susceptible to water spots and cannot be exposed to moisture.
Ombre
A gradient color effect in which a fully saturated color gradually fades.
Oxford
A monochrome low-heeled loafer shoe with a lace-up closure (see:spectator)
Patch pocket
A flat square or rectangular pocket that is topstitched along its outer edges, so that it's entire silhouette is visible (see: slip pocket).
Patent leather
Genuine leather with a glossy high-shine top coat.
Patina
On untreated leather (especially Louis Vuitton Vachetta), patina is the darkened hue that results from exposure to skin oils, air, and other elemental factors. Vuitton's Monogram canvas pieces are typically trimmed with Vachetta leather that achieves a honey-colored patina over time (see: Vachetta leather).
Perforated
A hole-punch effect that can be uniformly applied, and is used to render surface patterns.
Pilling/pills
Small balls comprised of loose fibers, result from repeated surface abrasion on a material.
PM, MM, and GM
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), PM MM and GM denote sizes, with PM being the smallest, MM being medium, and GM being the largest.
Pochette
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a pochette bag is a petite carry-all suitable for day or evening use. It often has a detachable strap that allows the bag to be converted into a clutch or wristlet.
Push-lock
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a push-lock is opened by pressing a small button to open the latch. Some push-locks have built-in locks (see: S-lock)
Quartz movement
On watches, quartz movement is battery powered, as opposed to winding from the wearer's body motion (see: automatic movement).
Quilted
On handbags and accessories (especially Chanel), quilted lines are stitched into a padded surface to create raised designs.
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