by Jo Barnes –
In this month’s word column we turn our attention to phrases from the fashion world. Today, we interview someone with style who has extensive knowledge from Valentino to Versace. Please welcome Veronica Vogue!
V: It’s delightful to be here, thank you.
So, Ms. Vogue, you’re one busy lady these days. I understand you’ll be emceeing an important fashion show?
V: Yes, quite right, “Canoe Cove Couture” is going to be a smashing event featuring a top flight fashion show as well as a variety of workshops in fabrics and accessories. Our models will be dressed exquisitely.
Sounds like they’ll be puttin’ on the Ritz!
I’m sorry, dahling. What do you mean, “ritz”? They’re not wearing crackers for heaven’s sake!
Haven’t you’ve heard that phrase before? It traces back to the early 1900s to the great hotel man himself, César Ritz and his Ritz-Carlton in New York City. It was glamourous, a place for the wealthy and sophisticated. The expression has come to mean to dress in a chic or expensive way.
Oh, I see. Well, the guests will certainly be dressed to the nines.
That’s an interesting choice of expression. Some say it originates in theatre where seats farthest from the stage cost a penny while the best seats cost nine pence. Sitting in the expensive seats required you to dress up so you could fit in with the well to do, hence “dressed to the nines.” Now, let’s get down to brass tacks, Veronica. Can you give us more details?
I’m sorry, dahling? Tacks?
Oh, getting down to brass tacks comes from late 19th century cloth merchants. When someone was serious about buying cloth, they would want it measured out accurately between brass tacks, set into the shop’s counter, one yard apart. I’m just wanting to get down to the facts.
Well, my dear, the show features over 50 outfits, each one a one-of-a-kind original.
I’m sure many are quite valuable. Your people will need to handle them with kid gloves!
Gloves?! Oh heavens, no! Gloves are so last year!
What I meant was these unique items will need to be handled with great care. It’s an expression from the 18th century when the finest gloves were made from young goats or “kids.” They were fine and smooth and not intended for heavy work but genteel living.
The very best for the very best.
We’ll close there. Thank you Veronica and thank you readers for joining us here!
