Artesane

Founded in 2015 by Anne-Sarah Ballu-Samuel, Artesane grew from her love of sewing, fashion history and the beauty of the handmade. Her ambition was to make exceptional artisanal knowledge accessible to everyone, bringing expert teachers into students’ homes through carefully filmed online courses, while preserving and sharing the precious skills and gestures of experienced artisans. Today, Artesane is a certified French professional training institute, rooted in a passion for learning, precision and the transmission of savoir-faire through expert-led courses. 

The Fashion Miniatures in Paris curriculum has been designed by master craftspeople who have spent decades within the celebrated ateliers of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.

Artesane brings its world-class expertise to the intimate scale of miniature couture and students are immersed in a pedagogical journey that mirrors the rigorous standards of a professional Parisian studio, ensuring that every stitch, fold, and finish meets the uncompromising quality synonymous with French heritage fashion. 

Under the expert guidance of Elisa Dubois, you will discover the techniques and traditions of historical garment construction, working by hand on miniature mannequins to create a half-scale, Dior-inspired bustier gown reflecting the elegance of the 1950s New Look. From shaping the silhouette to refining the smallest details, each stage offers an opportunity to develop your skills and appreciate the artistry behind haute couture. It is a chance to experience the beauty of French fashion heritage on a miniature scale, where every stitch tells a story.

Experts in online education, Artesane will provide exclusive access to a pre-recorded online course that supports the Fashion Miniatures in Paris programme step-by-step. Students will enjoy the exquisite pleasure of learning in-person from Elisa Dubois in Paris and the reassurance of knowing all the techniques and expertise will be available in the online course afterwards.

Transitioning from engineering to the world of high-end tailoring, Elisa Dubois embodies the technical precision central to French couture. After receiving her Certificat d’Aptitude Professional in Couture Flou (Draping and making soft, flowing garments using sewing, pattern cutting and construction techniques), she went on to graduate top of her class from the Institut Français de la Mode with a Professional Diploma in Bespoke Garment Making and Tailoring. She joined Artesane to bridge the gap between complex mechanics and artistic creation.

Her pedagogical philosophy centres on clarity, distilling intricate garment construction into manageable, understandable techniques. Elisa guides students through the nuances of textiles, teaching them to respect the dance between the grain of the fabric and the movement of the human form. Her classes empower makers to see beyond the seams, mastering the structural logic that defines true quality. 

"I wanted to be an architect; as a couturier, I am obliged to follow laws, the principles of architecture. A dress is constructed according to the grain of the fabric. This is the secret of couture” - Christian Dior

Founded in 1820, Au Ver à Soie is an historic Parisian silk thread manufacturer renowned for its exceptional quality threads. For over 200 years this family run business has supplied the finest silk threads to Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent. Now in their 6th generation, Rebecca has worked closely with the Au Ver à Soie family for almost a decade and they have kindly invited us to transform a dedicated space within their charming showroom into a couture atelier, reserved for the duration of the Fashion Miniatures in Paris retreat. Surrounded by exquisite Au Ver à Soie silk threads and over 200 years of Haute Couture heritage, students will enjoy an exclusive creative space, guided by expert tutors from Artesane, just a short walk from our hotel.