Plume

English translation: well-known (fashion) writer

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:Plume
English translation:well-known (fashion) writer
Entered by: Jane Phillips

09:58 Dec 3, 2015
French to English translations [PRO]
Marketing - Textiles / Clothing / Fashion
French term or phrase: Plume
This comes from a document setting out the general marketing strategy of a top French ready to wear brand:

A chaque fois, l’entretien doit être conduit et rédigé par une plume (followed by a list of names, all top fashion journalists, editors, etc.)

I have been unable to find an English equivalent for the word "plume" in this context. Is there one? Or should I simply go with the more cumbersome "top fashion writers" or "top fashion journalists"?

As ever all help gratefully received.

Jane
Jane Phillips
France
Local time: 08:29
well-known (fashion) writer
Explanation:
It's often used to refer to writers, so in your case, it looks as if you could legitimately add-in the 'fashion' bit.

Personally, I prefer 'well-known' to using 'top' here, but you'll of course need to see how it fits in with your wider context.

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Note added at 29 minutes (2015-12-03 10:27:51 GMT)
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From Ana's Larousse reference:

"Vieux Écrivain : Ce fut une des meilleures plumes de son temps."

When used like this in EN, it is similar to 'name' — and the usual implication is that they will be someone well-known, of not actually famous; with a certain renown: "For the opening of our store, we really need to get a big name down from London"
Selected response from:

Tony M
France
Local time: 08:29
Grading comment
Many thanks to all!!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3well-known (fashion) writer
Tony M
Summary of reference entries provided
5th meaning
Ana Vozone

Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


10 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
plume
well-known (fashion) writer


Explanation:
It's often used to refer to writers, so in your case, it looks as if you could legitimately add-in the 'fashion' bit.

Personally, I prefer 'well-known' to using 'top' here, but you'll of course need to see how it fits in with your wider context.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 29 minutes (2015-12-03 10:27:51 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

From Ana's Larousse reference:

"Vieux Écrivain : Ce fut une des meilleures plumes de son temps."

When used like this in EN, it is similar to 'name' — and the usual implication is that they will be someone well-known, of not actually famous; with a certain renown: "For the opening of our store, we really need to get a big name down from London"

Tony M
France
Local time: 08:29
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 142
Grading comment
Many thanks to all!!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  mchd: dans le contexte, il s'agit plutôt d'une personne expérimentée, mais pas forcément connue.
8 mins
  -> I don't see how we can tell that from Asker's context; but in any case, I think this better conveys the intended meaning.

agree  Charles Davis: I wouldn't use "top" either. Perhaps "major", which would meet mchd's objection.
36 mins
  -> Thanks, Charles!

agree  Philippa Smith: or maybe "professional" would do the trick...
3 hrs
  -> Thanks, Philippa!

agree  Jean-Claude Gouin: How about a fashion writer? // No. you wrote 'a well-known fashion writer' ...
3 hrs
  -> Merci, J-C ! Isn't that what I said?
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Reference comments


22 mins
Reference: 5th meaning

Reference information:
http://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/plume/61773

Ana Vozone
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in PortuguesePortuguese
PRO pts in category: 11
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