Parlez-vous Hermès? If not, we've got you covered. Fashion editor Heather Dunhill rounded up commonly used catchphrases that the style cognoscenti and industry insiders know and use.  You'll sound très chic in no time!

Avant-garde
Experimental or innovative fashion. Think: Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons

à la mode
Stylishly of the moment

Atelier
Studio or workshop of a fashion designer 

Bijoux
Intricate jewelry 

Blouson
A jacket with drawstring or belt at the waist used to create a blouse effect

Bouclé
A textured fabric with loops of nubby yarn. Think: the iconic Chanel jacket 

Bouffant
Full or rounded shape

Chantilly
A precious lace named for the small town located 40km north of Paris

Chapeau
Hat

Chaussures
Shoes

Chemise/chemisier
Shirt/blouse

Cloche
A bell-shaped hat

Couture
The handcrafted detail, sewing and creation of a made-to-measure high-fashion piece

Cravat
Tie 

Crêpe de chine
A luxe, lightweight fine silk with a pearlized texture

Décolletage
A low neckline that emphasizes cleavage 

Défilé
Fashion show

Grand Couturier
A high fashion designer invited by the Chambre Syndicale of Haute Couture 

Haute Couture
High fashion

Intarsia
A colorful knit technique, typically known as argyle, a diamond pattern that is identical when turned inside out

Jupe
A skirt

L’écharpe
A scarf

Le smoking
A tuxedo

Maison
A fashion house

Mannequin
Model 

Marinière
Breton-style stripe

Marque
Brand

Mélange
A pairing of fashion trends.

Minaudière
A petite, decorative handbag sans handles or a strap. Think: Judith Lieber 

Motif
A reccurring idea theme in a collection

Ombré
Gradual dissipation of one color to another

Pailleté
A sparkly ornament or trimming typically applied in clusters. Think: oversized sequins 

Pantalon
Pants/trousers

Pantoufles
Slippers

Parapluie
An umbrella

Petits Pois
Polka dots

Plissé
A puckered or pleated design 

Pochette
Clutch bag

Podium
Runway

Poche
Pocket  

Prêt-à-porter
Off the rack (literally: ready to wear)

Très jolie
Very pretty 

Tulle
A netted but soft fabric used for fancy dresses and skirts. Think: ballerina skirting