Fashion A-Z

From applique to zippers, a comprehensive dictionary with definitions and
meanings of key fashion vocabulary, written by Camilla Morton.

A-Line

A-line is the name of the triangle-like silhouette that begins fitted, typically starting at the waist, and gets gradually wider from the hips down to the hem. It echoes the shape of a capital A. The term was first coined in 1955 by Christian Dior to describe the shape of his A-line Spring Summer Collection. Later, it evolved into Yves Saint Laurent’s 1958 Trapeze Line in his first collection for the house, where the shape drops from the shoulder.