Appendix B: Glossary of Fashion Terms

Atelier: Workshop where haute couture garments are made by hand

Bias cut: Cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the weave, allowing it to drape fluidly

Bouclé: A yarn with a looped or curled ply, creating textured fabric often used in Chanel suits

Camellia: Chanel's signature flower motif, chosen because it has no scent

Cardigan jacket: Collarless jacket with a straight, boxy cut, signature to Chanel

Chainé: The chain sewn into jacket hems to ensure proper hanging

Haute Couture: High fashion created exclusively for individual clients

Interlocked Cs: Chanel's logo, supposedly inspired by Château Crémat or Aubazine windows

Jersey: A knit fabric originally used for men's underwear, revolutionized by Chanel

Little Black Dress (LBD): Simple, elegant black dress suitable for multiple occasions

Marinière: Striped sailor top adapted from French naval uniforms

Matelassé: Quilting technique used on Chanel handbags

Modiste: Milliner or hat maker

Première: Head seamstress in a couture atelier

Prêt-à-porter: Ready-to-wear clothing

Quilting: Stitching pattern creating raised diamond design on bags

Sautoir: Long necklace, often of pearls, popularized by Chanel

Tweed: Rough woolen fabric, traditionally Scottish, refined by Chanel