Submitted by Aliza Vacca on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies…
This week, we had the opportunity to visit Lesage Atelier. Lesage specializes in embroidery for the biggest couture houses in France. They have long lasting relations with houses like Chanel and multiple well known houses. We were able to tour their work space and see the workers working on intricate and delicate pieces that take them hundreds of hours to complete. After learning about the history of Lesage and viewing some of their samples, we were able to make our own piece. We all had the same pattern to follow and were split up into small groups of 4/5 per table with an artisan. She showed us how to embroider the different beads to create the right pattern. A small 2×2 piece took us close to 2 hours, so I could only imagine the time needed to work on a couture gown with matching accessories. We were able to keep our pieces and bring them home.
After this workshop, I look at the skills needed to make a dress differently. It makes more sense why couture dresses are sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars because you are paying not only for the quality materials and the prestige of the designer, but also the time all the craftsmen put into the details. It was interesting to see another aspect of fashion that was separate from design and it was truly special being able to work in a workshop that makes couture dresses and is very prestigious. Below is a photo of my finished embroidered piece to which I was able to add different tassels off the bottom to make it unique to me.