A-LIST: Say My Name

Shakespeare may be the first to question, “What’s in a name?,” but in the fashion world of celebrity supermodels, design houses, and haute-couture clothing labels, last names reign supreme. Tracking the star players requires skills, and as the fashion scene becomes increasingly international even the most up-to-date fashionista can get tongue tied. Thanks to a helpful audio guide on about.com, you can listen to the proper pronunciation of more than 40 designer names such as Hervé Léger, Trussardi, and Loewe. Start with these five designer names avoid butchering the best of the world’s designers:

1. Givenchy (zhee-von-shee)

(Hubert James Taffin de Givenchy, Designer)

2. Bulgari (Ball-gah-ree)

(Sotirio Bulgari, Founder)

3. Jean Paul Gaultier (Go-tee-ay)

(Jean Paul Gaultier, Designer)

4. Christian Louboutin (Loo-boo-tin)

(Christian Louboutin, Designer)

5. Hermés (Heir-mez)

(Thierry Hermés, Founder)