Once again I am in awe at the impressive embroidery produced by “les petites mains” in the Lesage atelier for the house of Chanel Fall Winter 2014/2015 collection. The craftsmanship never disappoints, and seems to always be creating new innovative ways to stay relevant in today’s fashion. This video shows the way the artisans […]

Dior Fusion Embroidered Shoes
I couldn’t resist sharing these beautiful hand embroidered sneakers from Dior. This short video takes you inside the Dior ateliers to discover the intricate craftsmanship behind the Fusion Sneakers from the Autumn-Winter 2014-15 campaign. My recent addiction to Pilates has now come full circle knowing that I could wear couture shoes while doing my workout! What […]

My Back Shed, French Style in Oakville
I am finally back in France, and was just itching to come back! As much as I love being in Canada surrounded by family and friends, there is something that I always miss about Europe. If you feel the same way about Europe as I do but can’t make the trip over to France, look […]

Shoe Master Massaro
In 2002, Chanel purchased 7 ateliers in Paris, and Massaro was one of them. A master shoemaker, this atelier built in 1894 supplies boots, pumps and mules to Chanel and also creates one of a kind pieces for celebrities and royalty. Take a look into the Parisian atelier in this wonderful video of the master […]

Germany’s Flower Maker
Traditional craft of Europe is something that will always fascinate me, and is why I originally came to France. The atelier houses that have existed for hundreds of years are built around a sense of pride and history. The traditional techniques that are still used today are a dying trade and something we must not […]

Hand Painted Textiles at Roberto Cavalli
In the spirit of Couture Week which starts next week, I have been busy watching YouTube videos showing the behind the scenes works of some of the most influential fashion houses in the world. I came across this one showcasing beautiful, hand painted fabrics in the Roberto Cavalli atelier. I love the detailed view of […]

The making of a Chanel Couture Dress
A rare glimpse into the atelier houses that do the exquisite work for Chanel Haute Couture. This video gives me so much inspiration for my own couture embroidery and beadwork! The work that goes into these Haute Couture gowns is amazing, and I hope this look into the work of these artisans evokes some inspiration […]

Christian Lacroix Couture For Schiaparelli
Christian Lacroix will have a short couture comeback designing for the house of Schiaparelli this coming July. The designer will unveil his collection in Paris at the upcoming Couture shows in early July. The original location of the Schiaparelli workshop in Place Vendome will host the collection consisting of reinterpretations of the late designer’s famous […]

Creation of a Haute Couture Dior Gown
One of the most interesting aspects of Haute Couture for me, is being able to see how the clothes are actually made. Haute Couture is unique and each piece is made by hand by a team of masters of trade. I came across this little video clip about Couture on You Tube and thought I […]

Maison Lemarié
Nothing makes an outfit more feminine than adding a beautiful delicate feather. Since the 18th century, feathers in French society have represented both fantasy and high society. Founded in 1880 in Paris, Maison Lemarié originally worked with feathers mostly for wholesalers and large department stores as a “studio of plumes-for-garments.” André Lemarié joined the family business […]