Prêt-à-Porter
Official Description:
Prêt-à-Porter is an economic strategy game set in the world of fashion. Players take on the roles of managers of clothing companies, competing to achieve dominance in the industry through a series of fashion shows. The game challenges players to balance the demands of running a business, such as hiring staff, opening new branches, and signing contracts, while also preparing for the critical fashion shows that determine their success.
Throughout the game, players must make strategic decisions about resource management, investments, and timing. Each round represents a month in the fashion industry, with players acquiring resources, developing their companies, and preparing collections. The fashion shows, held at regular intervals, are the main events where players present their collections and earn prestige and income based on their performance.
Success in Prêt-à-Porter requires careful planning, efficient use of resources, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The game combines economic management with competitive elements, offering a challenging experience for players who enjoy strategy and business-themed board games.
Income only arrives during fashion shows, so every round is a scramble to keep the lights on while prepping for the next big event. The fashion theme is a thin veil over a ruthless economic engine—every decision is about survival, not style. This one’s been hitting the table almost weekly because it punishes sloppy play and rewards tight, calculated risk. Veteran players keep coming back for the tension: you’re always one bad round from collapse, and the margin for error is razor-thin. The modern edition trims the fat, so the pacing stays sharp and the financial pressure never lets up.
Setup is direct: shuffle the core decks, set aside the final round cards, and you’re ready to brief the table in under 15 minutes. The box is mostly cards and standard components, so there’s no sprawling board or fiddly trays to slow things down. Ninety minutes is a reliable session length, making this a main event for a focused group. It’s not a filler—this is the kind of game you plan the night around, especially if your group thrives on economic brinkmanship and can handle a little table talk about who’s about to go under.
Teaching requires a steady hand. The rules are technical, and the income system—no cash until the show, mandatory expenses every round—trips up new players fast. You can’t just walk away after the teach; someone needs to keep an eye on the table, especially in the first show cycle, to make sure nobody tanks their company by accident. The competitive interaction is sharp but indirect, so the room stays tense and focused. Expect a lot of quiet calculation punctuated by groans when someone realizes they can’t cover payroll. For groups that want a punishing, modern economic challenge, this is a reliable go-to.
MY score
9
Our Total Plays
28
Last PLayed
01 Nov 25
🚀 High Velocity
Player Count
2-4
Playtime
90 mins
