French for a runway show presenting a fashion collection.
Défilé comes from défiler, to pass in file. In French it first names a narrow pass that can only be crossed in file and a military march-past, then any procession of people or vehicles. In fashion it is the runway show.
The official Paris Fashion Week calendar, published by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, labels each event either défilé or présentation; the English version reads show and presentation, and some are released as films. A défilé is therefore one format among others, not the general word for presenting a collection. For haute couture, the rules count a collection in passages: at least 25, of day and evening models, shown in Paris each season. Since 2020 haute couture défilés have also been broadcast on video.
In job listings
English listings say show or runway rather than défilé: show development roles that deliver the show samples, event roles for fashion shows, and product development and merchandising for runway pieces. Titles include show development manager, studio show assistant and events assistant for fashion shows. See current runway roles.
