Term

Definition

Example 

Ab Fab

Bolt-to-Bag

Refers to utilizing the entire bolt of fabric, including scraps, for accessory or small product creation.

That dress you love? It’s 'bolt-to-bag.' The tote it came in is made from the same fabric—so now you can carry your outfit in your outfit.

Ab Fab: Sweetheart, 'bolt-to-bag' is beyond clever. Imagine: that elegant gown you wore last night? It also doubled as your handbag. Truly, who needs accessories when the dress is the accessory?

Bolt-to-Boutique

Showcasing the journey of fabric from raw material to stylish attire without waste.

Picture a boutique owner explaining, "We go from bolt to boutique, darling! Our philosophy? If it's a piece of fabric, it's runway material. No bolt left behind!"

Cut-to-Cloth

Represents thoughtful design and efficient use of fabric during cutting and tailoring.

We’re so 'cut-to-cloth' that our tailors take the scissors away from each other if the pattern isn’t perfect.

Ab Fab: Our 'cut-to-cloth' method is so precise, darling, that we even used the pattern scraps to make tea cosies. One cup of Earl Grey later, and suddenly you’re the toast of Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Drape-to-Detail

Suggests careful use of fabric from large draped elements to smaller intricate details.

Our 'drape-to-detail' designs are so precise, we even turned leftover pleats into hair accessories for our customers.

Ab Fab: Drape-to-detail,’ sweetie, is all about elegance. We drape so sustainably, even the mannequin asked for a matching hat. Perfection is in the details, and so is my gin martini!

Fabric-to-Fashion

Stressing the efficient use of fabric from start to finish in the fashion process.

Envision a tailor humorously noting, "Our mantra is fabric-to-fashion. No piece of fabric is too humble. That patch you see? It used to be a curtain. Now it's a fashion statement!"

Fiber-to-Fashion

Highlights a holistic approach, ensuring every fiber is accounted for in creating fashion.

Our new collection is so 'fiber-to-fashion' that even the mannequin asked where the scraps went.

Ab Fab: Oh, the 'fiber-to-fashion' philosophy is fabulous! The sheep practically model the wool before we use it. The lambs were meh about their colour palette, but we said, ‘Darling, beige is the new black.’

Loom-to-Luxury

Focuses on transforming sustainable production processes into luxurious yet eco-friendly fashion.

Our 'loom-to-luxury' collection is so sustainable that our weavers joked about naming the dresses after their loom handles.

Ab Fab: Darling, our 'loom-to-luxury' collection is tres chic. The silk was so well-sourced, I had to stop Patsy from turning it into curtains. ‘No,’ I said, ‘the curtains have to match the handbag.’

Patch-to-Perfect

A nod to using offcuts or scraps creatively in patchwork designs to reduce waste.

With our 'patch-to-perfect' philosophy, you’ll never have to explain why there’s a star-shaped patch on your elbow—it’s fashion, darling.

Ab Fab: Sweetie, darling, the 'patch-to-perfect' collection is divine. I told the designer, ‘If it’s good enough for a quilt, it’s good enough for couture,’ and voilà! Fashion with more patches than a pirate convention.

Seam-to-Scene

Making sure every piece of material is utilized to make trendy outfits.

Think of a designer enthusiastically saying, "We take our seams straight to the scene! Our mission: ensure every seam, no matter how small, makes its debut. It's couture commitment at its finest!"

Seam-to-Stitch

Suggests meticulousness in ensuring no part of the fabric or design process is wasted.

Our 'seam-to-stitch' philosophy means we even turned leftover thread into a tiny scarf for the shop’s mascot, Buttons the cat.

Ab Fab: Sweetie, the 'seam-to-stitch' philosophy is revolutionary. Not a thread wasted! Even the Queen’s corgis could get matching waistcoats from our leftovers. Sustainability is chic, darling.

Spool-to-Style

Evokes an image of sustainable fashion originating from the spool of thread.

With 'spool-to-style,' we’re so efficient that even the bobbins get jealous of the fabric scraps.

Ab Fab: Oh, 'spool-to-style' is the talk of the town, darling. The spools are so fashionable, I wore one as a necklace. I called it ‘industrial chic’ and now everyone’s doing it. Iconic!

Stitch-to-Sustain

Highlighting the careful design and use of offcuts to create sustainable fashion.

Visualize a fashionista proudly stating, "In our studio, it's stitch-to-sustain. We've turned leftover fabric into a chic scarf. Because why let a good stitch go to waste when it can sustain style?"

Thread-to-Tread

Emphasizes using every thread of fabric, from design to the final product's footprint.

When I found out my dress could be recycled into car mats, I realized my fashion choices had gone full 'thread-to-tread'—I’m now both runway-ready and roadworthy.

Ab Fab: We’re so 'thread-to-tread,' sweetie, that our offcuts went straight into designing bespoke catwalk carpets. People walked on our collection before it walked on them. Genius!

Thread-to-Trend

Emphasizing the use of every bit of fabric to create fashionable items.

Imagine a fashion designer who proudly showcases a dress made entirely out of fabric scraps, declaring, "This dress was born from the thread's yearning to trend. We believe every inch of fabric deserves its moment on the runway, even if it used to be a sock."

Weave-to-Wear

Points to sustainability from fabric weaving to the final garment.

Our 'weave-to-wear' approach is so thorough, we once made a jacket and then used the leftover yarn to knit the buttons.

Ab Fab: Oh, 'weave-to-wear' is so on point, darling. We don’t just weave the fabric—we weave stories! Last week’s batch was inspired by my scarf that once doubled as an emergency picnic blanket in Croydon.

*Absolutely Fabulous, often shortened to Ab Fab, was a British sitcom that aired from 1992 to 2012.  It's a satirical and often surreal look at the world of fashion, PR, and the excesses of "cool" culture through the lens of two aging, self-absorbed, and utterly dysfunctional best friends. Ab Fab uses fashion as a key tool for satire.  The show highlights the absurdity of the fashion industry, the superficiality of its trends, and the lengths people will go to in the name of style.  Edina and Patsy's obsession with labels and their constant pursuit of the "next big thing" is a commentary on consumerism and the pressure to conform to ever-changing standards of beauty and style.  The show also satirizes the way fashion is used to create and reinforce social hierarchies.