'How you say' 101

image from http://www.englishexams.wordpress.com

You know how people whose first language isn't English, especially Europeans, use the phrase, "how you say, eh…" in almost every sentence? It seems to be the other way around in the fashion industry. Fashion week after fashion week we English speakers trip over our own tongues while the French and Italian speakers turn us green with envy over the fluidity with which they pronounce names like 'Giambattista Valli'. Ontspan - that's Afrikaans for relax - I've got you covered. Here are some links to some of my favorites that often go mispronounced [because playing twister with your tongue simply isn't any fun.]. You should probably stretch your mouth now; some of these make for quite the workout...

Shiny Fashion: 2 lovely ladies talk you through popular designer names, and the best part is that they do episodes! If you'd like them to feature a name, just let them know.
The Glamazon Diaries : These guys have a comprehensive A-Z guide.

The Fash Pack: Mini videos featuring mostly French fashion names. 

About.com: A list of click-to-hear audio bits; also an A-Z guide.

Hugs, kisses and fashion sketches. ;)