Modevokabular

Modevokabular is the specialized lexicon used in fashion discourse. It comprises terms, phrases, and jargon employed to describe clothing, textiles, design details, production processes, and fashion trends. In German-speaking contexts, Modevokabular draws on German vocabulary while incorporating numerous loanwords from French, English, and Italian, reflecting fashion’s global vocabulary.

The core domains of Modevokabular include garment construction and fit (Schnitt, Passform, Drapage, Saum, Naht), fabrics and finishes (Stoffart, Gewebe, Baumwolle, Seide, Struktur), colors and patterns (Farbton, Farbpalette, Muster), silhouettes and styling (Silhouette, Layering, Taillierung, Schulterlinie), and marketing or industry terminology (Runway, Couture, Prêt-à-porter, Capsule Collection). Terms from fashion media and retail workflows—such as look, collection, trend, and editorial captioning—also populate the vocabulary. In addition, regional and subcultural styles contribute specialized items and descriptors, especially in streetwear and haute couture contexts.

Linguistically, Modevokabular exhibits loanword integration, neologism creation, polysemy, and register variation. Some terms carry technical meaning within design studios, while others function as consumer-facing branding or media rhetoric. The vocabulary adapts with digital platforms, where social media, influencers, and e-commerce shape new descriptors and hashtags.

Historically, Modevokabular has evolved with globalization and changes in production, from haute couture and prêt-à-porter to fast fashion and online fashion discourse. It serves as a tool for communication among designers, journalists, retailers, and consumers, and is a focus of study in sociolinguistics, lexicography, and fashion studies.