The Itinerary Week 1 - Intermediate

“Paris represents the perfect finished product. It's where people come from all over the world to seek out the artisanal quality that cannot be found anywhere else and that we must above all seek to preserve.” Christian Dior

After breakfast at the MGallery L’Échiquier Opéra Paris, gather for a 2 hour introductory lecture with Rebecca Devaney. She will introduce the themes of Fashion Miniatures in Paris and outline the fabulous week ahead, with insights into what awaits you at Au Ver à Soie and in the museums, archives, ateliers and boutiques of Paris.

Rebecca will give a presentation on the fascinating history of fashion dolls and miniatures which were far from being relegated to the realm of children. Learn about the pandora dolls of the 18th century which were so important in spreading the latest styles, they held diplomatic passports as they traveled between France, England and the New World and how elite haute couturiers century ignited the craze for boudoir dolls amongst the flappers of the 1920s.

While studying Fashion & Dress history Rebecca became fascinated by the Theatre de la Mode, over two hundred fashion miniatures crafted by the leading Haute Couture Houses in Paris in 1946. In Rebecca’s artistic practice she is inspired by poetry and prose that describe women’s experience of social constructs of beauty and femininity and she explores these themes in her textile art sculptures of fashion miniatures using Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion to craft their garments. This is the reason why Rebecca came to Paris all those years ago, to retire her hot-glue gun and learn the correct techniques for pattern-drafting and embroidered embellishment so that she could develop the Fashion Miniatures in her own artistic practice! She will show her textile art sculptures and embroidered masterpieces from École Lesage to inspire your creativity for the week ahead.

After lunch, Rebecca will guide you to experience the splendour that is the Palais Galliera, the City of Paris’ fashion museum. Home to arguably one of the most important fashion collections in the world, it houses around 200,000 items spanning fashions in France from the 18th century to the present day. The collection also includes accessories and undergarments, and its permanent exhibition leads you through a history of French fashion. We will explore Tisser, Broder, Sublimer, an exhibition celebrating the craftspeople behind the seams of extravagant Haute Couture fashion; embroiderers, weavers, feather-workers, flower-makers, lace-makers, button-makers and goldsmiths.

“Without proper foundations there can be no fashion.” Christian Dior

Following breakfast, you will be accompanied as you walk with your fellow participants to the Au Ver à Soie atelier for your next class with Elisa. Your couture journey continues as you build the foundations of your miniature garment with the inner bodice and underskirt.

In the afternoon, Rebecca will continue the story of Paris’s love affair with luxury textiles at Malhia Kent, the “Poetess of Weaving,” where vibrant remnant yarns, designer samples, and haute couture fabrics overflow with creativity and colour. 

Afterwards, an exclusive visit to Atelier Lebuisson, an independent couture embroidery studio whose clients include Dior, McQueen, and Valentino. Enjoy a rare behind-the-seams glimpse into the enchanting world of haute couture embroidery—meeting artisans, witnessing their artistry, and discovering the savoir-faire behind each exquisite gown. With extraordinary generosity we are received in their archives to enjoy a fascinating presentation and marvel at their exquisite embroidery samples.

“Real elegance is everywhere, especially in those things that do not show.” Christian Dior

Spend the morning at the Au Ver à Soie atelier progressing with your miniature couture project, as Elisa expertly shows you how to join the inner and outer layers, your miniature masterpiece is taking shape. 

Le Sentier was traditionally the centre of cloth merchants in Paris, at Rue de Mulhouse, Rue de Clery and Rue de Jeuneurs a small concentration of them remain. A good place to start is General Diff, one of the best kept secrets in Paris! A family-run business, from father to daughter, with 40 years' experience, they are renowned for their excellent customer service and three floors with Haute Couture fabrics sourced from the finest French and Italian textile mills. The hidden jewel of Paris, Fried Frères has added sparkling details to extravagant couture gowns since the 19th century. A dizzying selection of beads, sequins and rhinestones, they have recently opened their doors to retail. Clients can enjoy a moment of true treasure hunting, drawers filled with pompoms of glistening seed beads, bags of sunshine sequins and sachets of twinkling rhinestones. The secret supply of many a discerning Parisian couturière we will visit Hamon, where Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel source all their sewing notions.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at MGallery L’Échiquier Opéra Paris Hotel before preparing for your onward journey. As you depart, take home not only your miniature couture creation but also new skills, wonderful memories, and friendships formed through a shared passion for fashion, textiles and Parisian savoir-faire.