Abboud, Joseph (Joseph Abboud) - Joseph Abboud is an American Designer who used to work with Ralph Lauren until 1986 when he established his own firm.

Abstract Mannequin - A highly stylized, usually non-featured mannequin devoid of wig and / or make-up details. Through based on human measurements and proportions, the shape and sculpting is not realistic and strives instead for a decorative and non-objective effect. A female, male or child mannequin that is ageless, non-ethnic, nonspecific and can be finished in a variety of decorative colors or metallics.

accordion pleats - Small, fine and narrow pleats used in skirts or dresses

acetate - Man-made cellulose fabric create in Germany in 1869. Today it is used to make lingerie, blouses, dresses and knitwear.

acrylic - Synthetic fabric often used as a substitute for wool.

Adel Rootstein - Mannequin company founded by Adel Rootstein.

Adolfo - Adolfo is a Cuban born American designer who established his own millenery salon in 1962 and later expanded to Women's clothing. In 1993, he closed his shop at New York's East 57th Street.

Adrian, Gilbert (Gilbert Adrian) - Gilbert Adrian is an American Designer who was both a film and theater designer before he became a designer for Women's clothing. He died in 1959.

Afro - Hairstyle popular among African-Americans

Agnes B - Agnes B is a French Designer who a fashion editor for Elle Magazine before launching her own design firm.

aigrette - Feather from osprey or egret used to adorn or trim hats

Alaia, Azzedine (Azzedine Alaia) - Azzedine Alaia is a French Designer who has been dubbed the King of Cling because of his designs that is for street fashion such as the stretch mini and Lycra cycling shorts.

Albini, Walter (Walter Albini) - Walter Albini is an Italian Designer who is part the Italian dominance of fashion during the 1970s.

Alecon Lace - Got the name from Alecon Normandy famous for its needlepoint lace.

Alfaro, Victor (Victor Alfaro) - Victor Alfaro is a Mexican born American designer noted for his evening wear clothes.

Alice Band - From Alice in Wonderland, head band usually made of ribbon or velvet used to keep off hair from forehead.

A-Line - Shape of a dress made popular by Christian Dior during the 1950s

Allard, Linda (Linda Allard) - Linda Allard is an American designer who is behind the name Ellen Tracy. Ellen Tracy is a fictionous name invented by Herbert Gallen in 1949 as a name to his fledging firm. He hired Linda Allard fresh out of college and the next is history.

alpaca - Wool from Alpaca, an animal (native to the Andes Mountains) which is a member of the camel family

Amies, Hardy (Hardy Amies) - Hardy Amies is a British designer was a school teacher who started his design career when he was hired as a managing designer for Lachasse in London. He is best known for his work for Queen Elizabeth II for whom he had designed clothes since 1950. He is also known for his designs for corporate uniforms for the service industries (hotels and airlines)

angled window - Similar to the parallel-to-sidewalk window but are angled to feature more displays in less space.

angora - Hair of the angora goat and/or angora rabbit. This soft fiber is mixed with rayon and wool to create dresses, knitwear and sweaters.

anile dye - From plants of the genus Indigofera which provides a chemical base for many dyes.

animal prints - Popular since the 1930s, animal prints are fabrics which depicts the patterns and colors imitating the skins of animals.

anime - pronounced ah-knee-may An artistic, and sensual type of Japanese animation. On the Internet one can find hundreds of superb anime Web sites.

Ankle Rod - The short, upright bar that extends up from the floor base and inserts into the fitting above the mannequin's ankle. It is the usual way of keeping male mannequins upright and is also desirable for female mannequins that wear pants. It is almost invisible and usually doesn't require the opening of any seams for the insertion of the supporting rod. See: Foot Spike. (From Martin M. Pegler)

ankle socks - Usually white and made of cotton an/or wool usually used with sports shoes.

ankle straps - Part of a shoe (usually open shoes or slingbacks) used to secure the foot inside the shoe.

Anna Karenina - A fictional character created by Tolstoy and this term is used loosely to describe garments that are romantic, glamorous and fur trimmed.

Annie Hall - From the film Annie Hall starring Diane Keaton and Ralph Lauren designed the costume. Annie Hall is used to describe the unisex style of clothing.

anorak - Believed to be an Aleut word ( native population of Aleutian Islands, Alaska); A hooded garment usually hip length and used by the native population living by the Artic Circle to protect themselves from the wind and cold. It has been adapted by the fashion world, and usually worn on sporting activities.

Anthony, John (John Anthony) - John Anthony is an American designer who was one of the first designers who promoted easy-to-travel clothes (roll them up and thrown them in a suitcase).

Antoine - Polish hairdresser turned Parisian who is credited with the shingle cut circa 1920, upswept hairstyle circa 1930, hairstyle of Greta Garbo and the bangs of Claudette Colbert. He also introduced "streaking" or highlighting the hair, such as a platimum blond streak on a brunette. His hair styles are still being used today.

applique - Ornamental piece of fabric either sewn or glued to another fabric as a decoration.

arcades - When a store has minimum frontage on the street or in the mall, but has an ample depth, an arcade front is constructed. With an arcade, the windows are on both sides, the customer walking between them to enter the store. The entrance is usually set back from the building line.

argyle - Inspired by the Scottish tartan, specifically the clan Argyle. This pattern is often used in socks, sweaters and/or scarves.

Armani, Giorgio (Giorgio Armani) - Giorgio Armani is an Italian Designer who started his career as a window dresser. He became famous in 1974 when he launched his own label bearing his name. Today, his clothes is synonymous to luxury and post modern lifestyle.

Armature - The metal framework or skeletal construction upon which the original clay sculpting of a mannequin or form is done. The metal frame inside a molded form or the bendable and shapable skeleton in the stuffed doll type of mannequin which makes possible the repositioning of these soft forms. (From Martin M. Pegler)

army surplus - Literally started as surplus supply of the armed forces which was made available to the public after World War II. It has been adapted by the fashion world and today, any garment wherein the design has its origins from the armed services (such as bomber jackets) is collectively called army surplus.

Articulated Forms or Mannequins - Forms similar to, or the life-size variations of, the wooden artist's mannequins that can be repositioned into myriad human poses. Forms or mannequins with articulated or movable joints (elbows, wrists, knees, hips, etc.) which can be swiveled or turned in different directions. (From Martin M. Pegler)

artificial silk - Other name for Rayon, man-made cellulose material

ascot - Mens neckwear popular during the mid-19th century. During that time, it was part of a formal dressing, During the mid 20th century, the ascot was adapted to be part of women clothing also.

Ashley, Laura (Laura Ashley) - Laura Ashley is Welsh born British Designer known for her romantic style of neo-Victioranism and classic country styling.

Avedon, Richard (Richard Avedon) - Famous American photographer known for photographing the rich and famous.