Paris is considered to be the fashion capital (capitale de la mode) of the world, and for a good reason. The streets are filled with high end boutiques, various fashion shows that influence global designers, and the effortless style of every Parisian person. The city is a fashion hub that has been built over centuries, starting from the time of royal courts to the rise of haute couture houses. It is known for its style (style), luxury (luxe), and elegance (élégance). Let us learn more about Fashion in Paris together.
Haute Couture (La haute couture)
Paris is the birthplace of La haute couture (high fashion), it consists of custom made clothes designed (vêtements faits sur mesure) specifically for rich and famous people. Fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton create luxurious dresses (robes luxueuses) and suits (costumes) for their clients.
Vocabulary:
Haute couture = High fashion
Une robe = A dress
Un costume = A suit
Famous Fashion Streets (Rues célèbres de la mode)
If you like roaming around the streets in Paris and you are interested in fashion, you would love to visit these streets.
Paris has many streets for shopping:
Avenue Montaigne – Home to luxury brands (marques de luxe) like Dior and Chanel.
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Filled with exclusive boutiques (boutiques).
Le Marais – Known for its vintage shops (magasins vintage) and independent designers (créateurs indépendants).
If you love shopping (faire du shopping), these streets are a must-visit!
Vocabulary:
Une boutique = A boutique/shop
Faire du shopping = To shop
Un créateur = A designer
Paris Fashion Week (La semaine de la mode à Paris)
If you are a fashion freak, you need to know about Paris Fashion Week!
Twice a year, Paris hosts a Fashion week (La semaine de la mode). Designers participate in this event to showcase their latest collections (collections), during this show models wear runway outfits (tenues de défilé) made by famous designers. A lot of people take part of this event such as celebrities, influencers, journalists from all over the world come to see the trends (tendances).
Vocabulary:
Un défilé = A fashion show
Une tendance = A trend
Une tenue = An outfit
Everyday Parisian Fashion (La mode parisienne quotidienne)
If you ever decide to visit Paris, try to observe the Parisian style. Parisians love to add accessories and different valuable items to look luxurious and elegant.
The typical Parisian wardrobe includes:
- A trench coat (un trench),
- A black dress (une robe noire),
- And comfortable shoes (chaussures confortables).
They also include accessories like bags (sacs) and hats (chapeaux) as they are simple but stylish. Parisians avoid bright colors (couleurs vives), choosing neutral tones (tons neutres) like black, white, and beige.
Vocabulary:
Un sac = A bag
Un chapeau = A hat
Des chaussures = Shoes
Iconic Parisian Fashion Items (Les articles iconiques de la mode parisienne)
We cannot talk about Parisian fashion without mentioning the classic fashion pieces associated with Paris. For example:
- The beret (le béret),
- Striped shirts (les marinières),
- The little black dress (la petite robe noire).
These items are timeless and they are used as symbols of Parisian chic.
Vocabulary:
Un béret = A beret
Une marinière = A striped shirt
Intemporel = Timeless
Accessories and Jewelry (Les accessoires et les bijoux)
The outfit is incomplete without accessories and jewelry let us get to know some of them:
- Handbags (les sacs à main),
- Jewelry (les bijoux),
- Watches (les montres).
Parisians are also known for the final touches that can make a simple outfit into an elegant one, just by adding a few accessories such as a Luis Vuitton bag, a long silk scarf and a nice watch the outfit is complete.
- Vocabulary:
Un accessoire = An accessory
Une ceinture = A belt
Un collier = A necklace
Seasonal Parisian Fashion (La mode parisienne selon les saisons)
Now let us talk about how the outfits and styles change in each season
- Spring (printemps): Light dresses (robes légères) and trench coats.
- Summer (été): Flowy skirts (jupes fluides) and sandals (sandales).
- Autumn (automne): Layering with sweaters (pulls) and scarves (foulards).
- Winter (hiver): Coats (manteaux), boots (bottes), and gloves (gants).
Vocabulary:
Une saison = A season
Un manteau = A coat
Un foulard = A scarf
Fashion for Men in Paris (La mode masculine à Paris)
We cannot forget about men, men also like fashion and they like to show up in nice outfits, here are some items Parisian men like to wear:
- Tailored suits (costumes sur mesure),
- Leather jackets (vestes en cuir),
- Dress shoes (chaussures de ville).
Vocabulary:
Un blazer = A blazer
Un pantalon = Pants
Un look formel = A formal look
Parisian Perfumes (Les parfums parisiens)
Fashion isn’t just about clothing! It is also known for its perfumes.
- Brands like Chanel No. 5 and Dior J’adore represent elegance.
- Perfumes are an essential part of a Parisian’s daily style.
Vocabulary:
Un parfum = A perfume
Une fragrance = A fragrance
Un flacon = A bottle
In conclusion, Paris is the heart of global fashion, known for its creativity, famous designers, huge brands and timeless style. Ranging from La haute couture to everyday Parisian outfits. This city inspires people all over the world, even a non fashion lover can fall in love with fashion just by being there observing and exploring.
Are you ready to learn more French while exploring Parisian fashion? Use this vocabulary to practice and add a touch of Paris to your wardrobe! If you want to learn more join the Albert Learning family!
