vêtements de marque
In French, designer clothes is vêtements de marque.
This phrase refers to clothing made by a famous fashion designer or a well-known brand.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vêtements (clothes) and de marque (of brand/branded).
Which one should you use?
Vêtements de marque can refer to any branded clothing (like Nike or Levi's), whereas vêtements de créateur specifically implies high-end fashion designers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vêtements de marque is common. For a more sophisticated or formal tone, you can use vêtements de couturier or vêtements de créateur. In informal settings, you may use fringues de marque or fringues de luxe. The term fringues itself is a common slang term for vêtements used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun vêtement is singular in the phrase vêtement de marque if you are referring to a single item of designer clothing.
Did you know?
- The slang term fringues used in fringues de marque is thought to come from the word fringale, which originally referred to a sudden hunger or a craving.
- The word couturier specifically refers to a professional who designs and makes clothes for women, a distinction not found in the English word 'designer'.
- The word marque in vêtements de marque shares an ancient root with the English word 'mark', relating to a physical sign or an imprint.
Examples in context
- La boutique propose une large sélection de vêtements de couturier.The boutique offers a wide selection of designer clothes.
- J'apprécie les vêtements de créateur pour leur qualité et leur originalité.I appreciate designer clothes for their quality and originality.
- J'adore tes fringues de marque, tu as vraiment du style!I love your designer clothes, you have great style!
- Elle porte toujours des fringues de luxe, c'est une passionnée de mode.She always wears designer clothes, she's a fashion enthusiast.
- Elle adore porter des vêtements de marque.She loves wearing designer clothes.
- Ces vêtements de marque sont très chers.These designer clothes are very expensive.
- Il ne veut acheter que des vêtements de marque.He only wants to buy designer clothes.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are shopping at a mall.
- NathanRegarde cette robe, elle est magnifique !Look at this dress, it is magnificent!
- ChloéC'est normal, ce sont des vêtements de marque.That's normal, they are designer clothes.
- NathanC'est beaucoup trop cher pour moi.It is much too expensive for me.
- ChloéJe suis d'accord, cherchons ailleurs.I agree, let's look elsewhere.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, marque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
