The Embroidery Sample and Beads to Use
This week, my classmates and I were able to visit Paris’ oldest embroidery studio, Maison Lesage. I always assumed that embroidery meant just sewing thread or yarn on material, but I learned it encompasses much more. You can add beads, sequins, pearls… basically any material to cloth and it would be considered embroidery. Founded in 1858, Maison Lesage works with major designers and fashion houses–Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, etc.– to create masterpieces for their haute couture and ready-to-wear lines.
Louis Vuitton’s Minaudières Trésor Brodé (2010 collection) were embroidered by Maison Lesage. For quality control, they only allowed three master stitchers to embroider all the bags.
We were able to tour the fabulous studio and caught a few glimpses of sketches from next week’s Paris Fashion week (hence no pictures were allowed inside). At the Maison Lesage, fashion designers approach the studio with a certain theme and the team brainstorms and creates small samples. They store ALL of their samples, which date back to the 1850s and include over 60,000 pieces!
Framed Sample in the Maison Lesage
Next to the Maison Lesage is actually a school, Ecole Lesage, which opened in 1992. Amateurs can sign up for embroidery courses and professionals can even be trained. After our tour, we were given a lesson in needlepoint and practiced setting beads and sequins. I’m not going to lie. It was painstaking work. My piece was only 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches and it took me two hours to do. I asked the teacher how long it takes her and she said 30 minutes. While that’s faster than two hours, 30 minutes is not that fast! I can’t imagine spending 800 hours to make a dress. I definitely understand haute couture better and why it costs so much. I will never look at embroidery the same.
Original sketch to follow. The colors corresponded with the different materials to use.
Trying my best to follow the pattern
My finished product. And yes, I am rocking patent pink Tory Burch flats.
Looks so cool! I never knew about this place. I can’t believe they store all their samples!
It’s incredible. They’re actually moving into a new space in October. Crazy that they’ve been in the same location for over 130 years.
My family in Korea used to do this for traditional Korean costumes. Do you know if they have lessons in English? I’d love to learn.
Yes! They have classes in English and French! I think you can commit to different session depending on how many hours you want to spend.
Do you know how to enroll? I will be in Paris from mar 12-18. Thanks. Lois
Hi, you go to their website online and can enroll in their classes.