For fashion and couture classes
Who is it for? Students in the CAP Métiers de la mode, vêtement flou and the bac pro Métiers de la couture et de la confection, and any bac pro class working on the world of shows.
Level. Core B1 with Entry and Stretch tiers.
How to use it. After sessions 2 (the Dolly look and the Coat of Many Colors) and 3 (backstage).
You need to describe a stage costume, explain an alteration and organise a quick change. We use adjective order (a long sparkly pink gown), offers (Shall I take it in?) and the present passive for a technical description (The jacket is decorated with rhinestones.).
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a fitting | a session where the client tries on a garment | The fitting is at six. |
| a hem / a seam | the folded bottom edge / the line where two pieces are sewn | Let's shorten the hem. |
| to take in / to let out | to make tighter / to make wider | Can you take it in at the waist? |
| a zip / Velcro / snaps | fastenings | A zip is faster for a quick change. |
| rhinestones / sequins / beads | shiny decorations sewn or glued on | The suit is covered in rhinestones. |
| fringe | hanging threads or strips as decoration | A white fringe jacket. |
| patchwork | fabric made of small pieces sewn together | The coat of many colours was patchwork. |
| a quick change | a very fast change of costume during a show | She has a quick change after song three. |
| a rack / a steamer | a rail for clothes / a machine that removes creases | Put the costumes on the rack. |
| lining | fabric inside a garment | The lining is in satin. |
Quick check. Make it passive: We sew the sequins by hand.
Sentence starters, Dolly
Entry I want... · I like... · It's too...
Core Could you make it a bit more...? · I'd rather... · I love the way...
Stretch I'm not sure about..., it might... · Would it be possible to...? · What I really need is...
Sentence starters, the dresser
Entry Do you want...? · Here is... · Is it OK? · Can I...?
Core Would you like me to...? · What about the...? · Shall I...?
Stretch It might look better if... · For the quick change, I'd suggest... · If we use a zip instead of buttons, you'll...
Professional words: fitting, costume, rhinestone suit, sequins, fringe, hem, zip, seam, to take in, to let out, quick change, rack, steamer, safety pin.
Dresser: Here are your two outfits: the pink rhinestone suit and the white fringe dress.
Dolly: Oh, I love the pink one! Could you make the jacket a bit tighter?
Dresser: Of course. Shall I take it in at the waist?
Dolly: Yes, please. And the quick change, is it possible in two minutes?
Dresser: It might be faster if we use a zip instead of buttons.
Dolly: Good idea. I'd rather have a zip, then. You're a star!
Write the technical description of a stage costume for Dolly (60 words): garment, fabric, colour, decoration, fastening for the quick change. Use three passive forms.
Model: Stage suit, pink. The jacket is made of satin and it is decorated with rhinestones on the shoulders. The trousers are lined. The jacket is closed with a hidden zip, so it can be removed in less than a minute during the quick change. White fringe is sewn on the sleeves.
Inspired by the coat of many colours, design a patchwork piece. Present it orally: colours, fabrics, meaning, and what you wanted to pass on.
| Criterion | Not yet | Entry | Core | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interaction: I react and keep the conversation going | I read my card only | I answer with short phrases | I answer and ask questions | I react to everything, I suggest and negotiate |
| Polite requests, offers and suggestions | None | Can I / I want | Could you / Would you like me to / What about | It might look better if / I'd rather / Would it be possible |
| Professional vocabulary | Fewer than 3 words | 3 to 5 words | 6 to 9 words | 10 words or more, used precisely |
| Pronunciation and fluency | Hard to understand | Understandable with pauses | Clear, few pauses | Clear and natural, with good intonation |
| Role and situation | Off topic | Partly in role | In role all the time | In role, with humour and empathy |