6th - 13th June 2026
Fashion Miniatures in Paris
A couture-making retreat in the heart of Paris
La Couture Brigade, located on a quiet street beside the Notre Dame Cathedral in the historic centre of Paris, will be your couture atelier for this immersive week. Famed for the savoir-faire and generosity of their tutors, you will spend the mornings learning the techniques and traditions of historical garment construction under the expert guidance of Jane Taylor-Bouvard, museum curator and historical costume specialist who is passionate about sharing her knowledge. Working on miniature Stockman mannequins and using traditional hand-sewing techniques, you’ll create a 1950s historically accurate ½ scale Dior-inspired gown - blending technical mastery with storytelling in a charming atelier filled with the legacy of centuries of elite Parisian couture craft.
Beyond the classroom, April will share her fashion history expertise as she guides you through the breath-taking fashion museums and exhibitions of Paris, leads you behind the seams on exclusive visits to costume ateliers and fashion archives, and offers rare insight into the creative forces that have shaped Paris’s legacy of style and artistry. Rebecca will share her textile expertise as she guides you to some of Paris’ best purveyors of fabrics, threads, ribbons, buttons, beads, vintage textiles and so much more. The fascinating stories of how luxury fashion and textiles are woven into the fabric of Paris will be revealed as she shares her experiences working for Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and personally introduces you to small-scale, artisanal businesses that are lovingly continued by 4th or 5th generation family members.
Guests will stay at the MGallery L’Échiquier Opéra Paris, a beautifully restored Art Deco hotel tucked between the Grands Boulevards and the Opéra district. Once a 19th-century dance hall, it now offers refined comfort, mosaic floors, and timeless Parisian elegance — a peaceful retreat after each day of inspiration.
Expect a week of immersive couture enchantment in the heart of Paris—where creativity and connection are embedded in each stitch.
Our intimate, hands-on experience is limited to 10 guests.
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