In the late 16th century, English adopted “organza” from French for the stiff, transparent, silk fabric that was used to make elaborate ball gowns. Many other words for fine, luxurious fabrics come from French, including “chiffon” (“cloth” in French), “tulle” (from the French town of Tulle), “velour” (meaning “velvet”), “crepe” (meaning “crimped”), “lamé” (meaning “foil”), and “voile” (meaning “veil”).