Fashion

Candice Swanepoel — South African fashion model and public figure Candice Swanepoel Candice Swanepoel is a South African model known for international runway and editorial work, high-profile lingerie shows, and entrepreneurial projects in fashion and swimwear.

Cape (garment) Cape Sleeveless outer garment fastening at the neck, worn for warmth, protection, ceremony, and style across cultures from medieval Europe to modern fashion and popular culture.

Capri pants: history, design, and how they differ from other cropped trousers Capri pants Capri pants are mid-calf trousers that end between the knee and ankle. This article explains their origin, common styles and fabrics, how they are worn, and how they differ from ot…

Cardigan (sweater) A cardigan is a knitted garment with an open front. Worn for layering, it exists in many styles and fabrics and has historical ties to 19th‑century military dress and everyday fash…

Cashmere wool: properties, production, history and uses Cashmere wool Cashmere wool is a fine, soft animal fiber from cashmere goats, prized for warmth and lightness. This article covers its characteristics, production regions, processing, uses, care…

Catsuit: Design, History, Uses and Variations Catsuit A catsuit is a tight, one-piece garment covering the torso and legs, sometimes arms. This article explains its materials, history, uses in fashion and performance, and how it diffe…

Catwalk: raised walkway used in fashion, theatre, ships, and industry Catwalk A catwalk is a raised, narrow walkway used to display clothing in fashion shows and for access in ships, theatres, and industrial settings. This article explains types, design, his…

Chador (traditional Persian outer garment) Chador A chador is a full-length, semicircular cloak traditionally worn by women in Iran for modesty and cultural reasons. It covers the body, is open at the front, and is held closed by…

Chanel: French Luxury House and Fashion Brand Chanel Chanel is a Parisian luxury fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Known for the little black dress, Chanel No. 5, tweed suits and quilted bags, it influences fashion, f…

Changing room (dressing room and fitting room) Changing room Room used for changing clothes—includes retail fitting rooms, sports locker rooms, theatre dressing rooms and single-occupancy stalls. Covers types, features, history, uses, access…

Charles Frederick Worth — Founder of Modern Haute Couture Charles Worth Charles Frederick Worth (1825–1895), an English-born designer who worked in Paris, established the House of Worth and helped create the systems, techniques and business model of mo…

Chav: UK slang, stereotype, and social debate Chav A neutral overview of the UK slang term 'chav', its characteristics, debated origins, cultural portrayal, social implications, and related variants such as 'chavette'.

Chokha — traditional coat of the Caucasus Chokha The chokha is a high‑collared, woolen outer garment historically worn by men across the Caucasus; marked by cartridge rows and regional variants, it serves practical, ceremonial an…

Christian Audigier — French Fashion Designer and Brand Entrepreneur Christian Audigier Christian Audigier (1958–2015) was a French fashion designer who helped popularize tattoo-inspired Ed Hardy clothing and worked with Von Dutch, known for bold, celebrity-driven bra…

Christian Dior: Founder of the House of Dior and architect of the 'New Look' Christian Dior French fashion designer Christian Dior (1905–1957) founded the House of Dior, introduced the 1947 'New Look,' and created a lasting couture, perfume, and luxury legacy.

Circular knitting: technique, tools, history and common uses Circular knitting Circular knitting (knitting in the round) produces seamless tubes for garments. Overview of tools, basic methods, history, common projects, advantages, and distinctions from flat k…

Claudia Schiffer — German supermodel and actress Claudia Schiffer Claudia Schiffer (born 1970) is a German supermodel and occasional actress who rose to international prominence in the 1990s. She has appeared on over 500 magazine covers and worke…

Cloak: history, design, uses, and cultural significance Cloak A cloak is a loose, sleeveless outer garment worn over clothing for protection, style, or ceremonial use. This article explains design elements, historical development, regional va…

Clog (shoe) A clog is a shoe style with a rigid sole, often wooden or thickly heeled; used historically for work and protection and today as both practical footwear and fashion.

Cloth face mask Cloth facemask A general overview of cloth face masks: construction, history, uses, effectiveness, care, and how they differ from medical masks and respirators.

Clothing: purpose, materials, cultural meaning and history Clothing Overview of clothing: its functions, common materials and garments, historical development, cultural roles, production methods and modern sustainability concerns.

Clothing in Ancient Greece: garments, materials, and social meanings Clothing in Ancient Greece Overview of dress in ancient Greece: typical garments (peplos, chiton, himation), materials and manufacture, fastenings, social signals, regional variation, sources and legacy.

Clothing in Ancient Rome: garments, materials, and social meaning Clothing in Ancient Rome Survey of dress in Ancient Rome: common garments (toga, stola, tunic), typical materials, social signals, production and uses from everyday wear to ceremonial costume.

Coat (outer garment) Coat A coat is an outer garment worn over the upper body for warmth, protection, or style. This article explains its features, history, common types, uses, and cultural significance.

Coco Chanel: life, style innovations, business and legacy Coco Chanel Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (1883–1971), founder of the House of Chanel, reshaped 20th-century women's fashion with minimalist silhouettes, costume jewellery and Chanel No.5, leaving a…

Collar (clothing): types, parts, history and uses Collar A collar is the part of a garment that frames the neck. This article explains common collar parts and types, traces its development, and outlines uses, maintenance, and notable var…

Coonskin cap A fur hat made from a raccoon pelt, often with the tail attached, associated with Native American use and American frontier imagery and later popularized in mass culture.

Corduroy: fabric structure, history, uses, and care Corduroy Corduroy is a durable piled textile defined by parallel ridges called wales. This article describes its structure, types, production, uses, care, and how it differs from similar pi…

Corset: history, construction, types, and uses Corset A corset is a close-fitting garment worn to shape the torso. This article explains construction, historical development, common types, uses in fashion and medicine, and safety and…

Cosmetics and Makeup: Products, Uses, and Application Practices Cosmetics Overview of cosmetics and makeup covering common products (lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow, mascara), practical application techniques, everyday and performance uses, and safety an…

Cosplay: Costume Play, Culture, and Community Cosplay Cosplay is the practice of dressing and performing as fictional characters, combining costume making, performance, and fandom across global communities, events, and online networks…

Costume: definition, types, history and uses Costume Clothing and accessories worn to alter appearance, signal cultural identity, or portray a role. Covers traditional dress, theatrical and festival costumes, design considerations, a…

Counterfeit: imitation goods, currency, and legal risks Counterfeit Counterfeit describes unauthorized imitations of products, currency and medicines. It causes economic, safety and legal harms and is addressed by enforcement, brand protection and…

Coutures (Gironde): small commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France Coutures, Gironde Coutures is a small rural commune in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwestern France. This entry summarizes its setting, administration, local life, history and e…

Crochet Crochet is a handcraft technique that forms fabric by pulling loops of yarn or thread with a hooked needle. It is used for clothing, home textiles, lace and decorative or functiona…

Cross-dressing: practice, history, and social meanings Cross-dressing Cross-dressing is wearing clothing typically associated with a different gender. This article explains forms, history, motivations, cultural roles, distinctions from transgender id…

Dandy: fashion, manners, history and cultural influence Dandy A dandy is a man who cultivates elegant dress, refined manners and self-presentation. This article outlines dandyism's meaning, origins, style traits, notable examples and its cult…

Dashiki: West African pullover — styles, history and cultural significance Dashiki A dashiki is a loose, colorful West African pullover top with an ornate neckline. Worn in daily life, ceremonies and diasporic movements, it has varied regional forms and modern fa…

Denim: history, manufacture, styles and cultural impact Denim Denim is a durable cotton twill fabric widely used for jeans, jackets and workwear. This article covers its origin, production, common styles, care and social importance.

Dhoti — traditional South Asian men's garment Dhoti Dhoti: a rectangular cloth draped around the waist and legs, traditional across South Asia. Covers regional styles, materials, history, uses, ceremonial forms and notable variation…

Diaper (Nappy): Types, Materials, Uses, Care, and Cultural Notes Diaper A comprehensive look at diapers (nappies): what they are, materials and types, history, common uses from infancy to adult care, environmental and cultural considerations, and pract…

Diving suit: types, components, history and common uses Diving suit Protective garments worn by underwater swimmers and divers to provide thermal insulation, physical protection and pressure management. Covers wetsuits, dry suits, hard suits, histo…

DKNY (Donna Karan New York) DKNY DKNY is a global fashion label created by Donna Karan offering contemporary ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrances and lifestyle products with an urban, accessible aesthetic.

Dolce & Gabbana: Italian luxury fashion house and cultural influence Dolce & Gabbana Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in Milan in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, known for prêt‑à‑porter, accessories, fragrances and a Mediterran…

Dominatrix: role, practices, history and safety in BDSM contexts Dominatrix A dominatrix is a person—commonly a woman—who assumes the dominant role in consensual BDSM scenes. This article explains roles, gear, history, safety, professional practice, and co…

Donatella Versace: Italian fashion designer and creative director of Versace Donatella Versace Profile of Donatella Versace, Italian designer and long-time creative director of the Versace fashion house, covering her life, role in the brand, design identity and cultural impa…

Donna Karan: American fashion designer and founder of Donna Karan New York and DKNY Donna Karan Overview of Donna Karan (Oct 2, 1948–Aug 22, 2022), her design approach, brands Donna Karan New York and DKNY, career highlights, influence on womenswear, and philanthropic work.

Doutzen Kroes: Dutch-Frisian Model, Advocate and International Fashion Figure Doutzen Kroes Profile of Doutzen Kroes, a model from Friesland known for her international fashion career, work with major beauty brands, support for the Frisian language, and public advocacy.