What is Fashion? The world of fashion has many definitions, sub definitions, and more sub definitions. I sometimes get confused when designing jewelry that caters to the many sub-categories of fashion that I have to constantly travel with a fashion dictionary just to stay afloat. Here are some definitions that will help us with our fashionable gift buying.

Chic
stylishness and elegance: "Paris is the city for timeless bargain chic, in almost any category," says Rachel Kaplan in her shopping guide.

Couture
High fashion. The highest levels of fashion design, usually features designs that are only affordable to the very wealthy. Example: Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino, Lanvin.

Haute Couture
French for High Fashion. Indicates a new style and/or design by an exclusive designer.

Houses
A group of designers that design under one company, usually representing the total design group. Example: Alberz Elbaz designs for the House of Lanvin, which is synonymous with Company.

Fashion
The meaning of fashion. An explanation of fashion as a sign system of cultural change and tribal belonging. A look at class stratification, status, profession and requirements of clothing from everyday uniform to a mass youth cult uniform.
Status symbols, group affiliation and branding.

Fashion Week
The week when top fashion designer show their upcoming collections. Attended by buyers for major stores, the media, fashion stylists, stars and other wealthy clientele, this week has become the center of the fashion and entertainment industries. There are fashion weeks held around the world, but the most popular is New York’s fashion week.

Knockoff
Usually illegal, this is a cheap copy of a popular product/trend. Think Louis Vutton Monogram bags for $25.

Pret a Porter
Ready to wear. Often used as the opposite of Haute Couture.

Style
The way that a certain item is worn.

Trend
The current style, or the general direction in which current style or fashion is moving.

Thrift
Used clothing items, which vary in style and quality.

Vintage
Classic clothing of a certain time period, usually at least 20 years old.