The first step we are going to take to be able to know in depth the term dressmaker that concerns us is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we have to state that it derives from Latin, since it is the result of the sum of the following lexical components:
-The noun “modus”, which can be translated as “measure”.
-The suffix “-ista”, which is used to indicate “trade”.
A dressmaker is a person who is dedicated to making, modifying or repairing clothing . This is someone who has design and sewing knowledge to work with clothing items.
Among the words that can function as synonyms for dressmaker we find seamstress, designer, tailor and dressmaker.
It is important to mention that, according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), the term dressmaker can be used in both feminine and masculine terms. The RAE also accepts the concept of couturier .
Also known as a fashion designer , the dressmaker multitasks . To create a garment, for example, you are responsible for taking the body measurements of the person who will use the product and then choose the materials that will be used in making it. You must take into account aspects such as textures and colors, among many others. The dressmaker is also involved in the development of molding and cutting of fabrics.
When the design is not individual (that is, it is not aimed at a particular individual), the dressmaker works with patterns that allow the manufacture of the same item in different sizes. This is how the textile collections are manufactured, which are usually presented in parades carried out on the catwalks.
A dressmaker can create their own designs, make custom creations or be a pattern maker in a workshop. He is even able to work in the entertainment industry, designing the costumes used in television, film or theater.
Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Paco Rabanne, Yves Saint-Laurent y Carolina Herrera están entre los modistas más reconocidos de la history. A Rose Bertin, en tanto, se la suele mencionar como la “first dressmaker” ya que fue la responsable del look de Marie Antoinette en el 18th century.
However, there are more dressmakers and designers who have managed to be a reference throughout the world throughout history. This would be the case, for example, of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Manuel Pertegaz, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace or Donna Karan, among others.
In the same way, we must highlight the role as dressmaker that the British Mary Quant (1934) played and continues to play. And this designer is credited with the invention of one of the most worn garments by women around the world. We are referring to the miniskirt, which he created in the 1960s.
This dressmaker also managed to have a very marked and identifying style. Thus, their logo had the symbol of a daisy, and their clothes had in common a great color and a really simple style.
Among the best-known dressmakers in fiction is Edna, who is in charge of designing and making the superhero costumes in the animated film “The Incredibles” (2004).