How-To: Pronunciation of Designers’ Names
Reality, fashion shows always seem to have contestants that cannot pronounce major fashion designers’ names correctly.
My thoughts, while watching these embarrassing episodes are usually: “How could you not know that? I could say all of those. I know how to say Hermes (Air-mez) …”
But yesterday my big head was marked down in size. Whitney from MTV’s The Hills mispronounced Givenchy (Gee-von-she). To my shock, I discovered that I also was saying it incorrectly.
So in case you are too proud to admit that you might also be saying a designer’s name wrong (like Carolina instead of Caro-leena for Ms. Herrera), here’s some help to prevent laughter behind your back.
* Gianfranco Ferre (Gee-an-fran-ko Ferr-ay)
* Karl Lagerfeld (Ka-ral La-ger-fell-d)
* Jeanne Lanvin (John La- vin)
* Ralph Lauren (Ralph LORE-in)
* Christian Louboutin (KRI-shtaan Lu-bu-TAHN)
* Louis Vuitton (Lu-wee Vee-tuhhh)

* Zac Posen (Zak Poo-zen)
* Proenza Schouler (pro-en-za skool-er)
* Jean Paul Gaultier (zhan paul GO-tee-AY)
* Nicolas Ghesquière (NEE-ko-la guess-KYAIR)
* Anna Sui (AN-na SOO-e)
* Bulgari (BOOL-ga-ree)
* Ungaro (OON-ga-ro)
* Zegna (ZANE-ya)
* Loewe (LO-ee-VAY)
* Isaac Mizrahi (eye-zak meh-zrah-hee)
* John Galliano (John Gal-eee-ah-no)
* Christian Lacroix (Kris-shten La-kwa)
* Donna Karan (Don-nuh Care-in)
* Yves Saint-Laurent (Eve Sonn-Lore-en)(Bow-tay-ga Vuh-NEH-tuh)
and, most importantly …
* Target (tar-Get, NOT tar-shay)
For more names, as well as a brief bio on each (then you can know things like whether to say “he” or “she”), the Budget Fashionista put together a great three-part guide on top designers: visit A-G, then check out H-M, and lastly N-Z.



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