Crossword Genius

Male poet close to female fashion designer (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

modiste

'fashion designer' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'male poet close to female' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'poet' becomes 'odist' (someone who writes odes).
'close to' indicates one should take the final letters (the close of something is the end).
The last letter of 'female' is 'e'.
'm'+'odist'+'e'='MODISTE'

(Other definitions for modiste that I've seen before include "Fasionable dressmaker" , "Posh milliner or dressmaker" , "couturier" , "old dressmaker" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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