Prêt-à-porter
Prêt-à-porter, which means "ready-to-wear" in French, refers to fashion clothing that is made in standard sizes and sold in finished condition, unlike custom-made or haute couture pieces. In the modeling industry, this term describes runway shows, photo shoots, and modeling work for clothing that will be sold in stores to everyday consumers. It's different from haute couture modeling, which involves one-of-a-kind designer pieces. When you see this term in a model's resume, it usually indicates experience in commercial fashion shows and photo shoots for retail brands.
Examples in Resumes
Walked in Prêt-à-porter shows during Paris Fashion Week
Lead model for Ready-to-wear campaigns for major department stores
Featured in seasonal Prêt-à-porter lookbooks for luxury brands
Typical job title: "Prêt-à-porter Models"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Prêt-à-porter Models
Industry Platforms
Professional Networks
Industry Events
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Model Questions
Q: How do you adapt your walk for different types of prêt-à-porter shows?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of different walking styles for commercial vs. luxury ready-to-wear shows, understanding of brand-specific requirements, and ability to adjust presence based on clothing type and target market.
Q: What's your experience with managing multiple looks during a fast-paced show?
Expected Answer: Should explain their experience with quick changes, working with dressers, maintaining composure under pressure, and ensuring proper presentation of each outfit.
Mid-Level Model Questions
Q: How do you prepare for a prêt-à-porter photo shoot?
Expected Answer: Should discuss research of the brand, understanding the target market, maintaining proper diet and exercise, practicing poses, and preparing a professional kit.
Q: What's your experience with different ready-to-wear markets?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain differences between luxury, contemporary, and mass-market ready-to-wear, and how modeling approaches vary for each.
Beginning Model Questions
Q: What do you understand about prêt-à-porter modeling?
Expected Answer: Should show basic understanding of ready-to-wear fashion, standard sizing, and the difference between commercial and haute couture modeling.
Q: How do you maintain yourself for fitting standard sizes?
Expected Answer: Should discuss healthy lifestyle habits, understanding of industry standard measurements, and professional approach to maintaining required sizes.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic runway walking techniques
- Understanding of standard sizing
- Basic posing for photos
- Professional etiquette
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced runway techniques
- Commercial photo shoot experience
- Quick-change expertise
- Working with different fashion markets
Senior (5+ years)
- International runway experience
- Major campaign work
- Show coordination skills
- Industry networking expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of standard sizing requirements
- Lack of proper runway walking technique
- Unprofessional portfolio or presentation
- No understanding of ready-to-wear market segments
Related Terms
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