Prét-a-Porter pronounced [pret-ah-pohr-tey] noun 1. ready to wear clothing
If you've never heard of Prét-a-Porter, you're not alone. You know what it is but maybe the technical term never made it to your vocabulary. Prét-a-Porter is a term for ready to wear. It is any high-quality factory made clothing you can buy almost anywhere from 5th Ave to Rodeo Dr and everywhere in between.
Some of the first factory-made clothing came in the form of military uniforms. For women's fashion, however, it's not something that became popular until the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, not unlike today, the woman had to dress comfortably and fashionable as her role returned to housewife and mother. Think, Betty Draper. At night she had to dress accordingly for their husband's occupation, entertaining at dinner parties. In the 1950's the US War Production Board sponsored a measurements survey of about 100,000 women which became the standardized sizing we all know today. Prét-a-Porter follows standardized sizing so a majority of people can wear the clothing.
Many high-end designers make a Prét-a-Porter collection twice a year. This happens a year in advance at fashion week. During February a fall/winter collection is shown. During September a spring/summer collection is shown. This is a way buyers can know what will be in for the upcoming season. They'll have a chance to purchase items for their department store. Some only use the colors shown or textile most commonly used between designers.
It's crazy to imagine that such a thing has only been around for about 70 years. Ready to wear has evolved throughout the decades. One can say it is one of the greatest ideas to come out of fashion. Shaping how we dress and shop to this day. Like and comment below who's your favorite Prét-a-Porter designer!