A défilé (also spelled “defilee”) is the fashion industry’s term for a fashion show in which models present a designer’s or brand’s collection on the runway. The walks follow a set order and choreography, usually accompanied by music and coordinated lighting. The French word originally means “parade” or “procession” and is used especially in connection with haute couture and the international Fashion Weeks.

You'll mostly come across this term in bookings for haute couture houses and international fashion weeks, for example on call sheets or in agency messages. In a défilé, what counts is sticking exactly to the order, timing and choreography, because a single mistake affects the whole show. Models who walk reliably and precisely get asked back for more shows.

See also: Haute couture, Fashion Week.