Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.
Coco ChanelRead
They said pret-a-porter will kill your name, and it saved me
Interpretation
The quote expresses how ready-to-wear fashion, initially seen as a threat, ultimately became a saving grace for the designer's legacy.
Pierre Cardin's quote reflects the transformative impact of prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) fashion on the fashion industry and his career. What was once perceived as a potential threat to the exclusivity and artistry of couture fashion turned out to be a pivotal strategy that broadened his audience and revitalized his brand, illustrating how innovation can lead to unexpected success.
In practice
During a fashion seminar, one might say this quote to illustrate the unexpected advantages of embracing change in the fashion industry.
Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.
Fashion should be about making clothes that make all women look beautiful, not making women starve so that they can fit in a size 8.
It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.
It pains me physically to see a woman victimized, rendered pathetic, by fashion.
She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.
Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something you're going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs.
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