Artisan Ateliers and Special Archive Visits
Artisan Ateliers
Haute Couture could not exist without the petits mains, “little hands,” who do the creative and manual labour behind the scenes. These are meticulous craftspeople and innovative artists who use their knowledge and skill to push the boundaries for the directors of the world’s greatest fashion houses. If you're curious and love seeing how things are made, this tour is for you.
You’ll be wowed by demonstrations of these artisans’ skills and will come to understand why their work can command the highest prices. Every artisan is a master of their metier, whether it be weaving, embroidery, or feathercraft, and it is my greatest pleasure to share this fantastic experience with my clients.
While I will gladly take requests, these are busy, working ateliers, so flexibility is greatly appreciated when booking.
2 hours for 1-2 people €400
Each extra person €150 max 6
This tour can accommodate up to 25 people for specific visits and upon request. Transportation is not included.
Historic Archives
At one time Paris had over 400 small couture houses providing their savoir faire to haute couture designers like Dior, Chanel, Schiaparelli et al. Most of these ateliers are gone now, some after hundreds of years of contiguous creation. Chanel took some up upon their closures like Lesage, Lemarie, and Goosens, while others are just memories.
Some have managed to revive their houses and have outstanding examples of historic items they now use for inspiration. One such house was a luxury fan maker, and although they now have their atelier in Spain, they will allow us to tour their fabulous archives in their charming shop. Learn the language of the fan with incredible examples from the 1800s made from now forbidden feathers and hand embroidered silks, with the chance to purchase your own customized couture fan during a private shopping experience.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a group and includes pick up from the hotel and a walk around the area of the shop afterward.
This is a working shop so flexibility is greatly appreciated when booking. Different archive opportunities may be available at a lower price. Please enquire.
3 hours for 1-10 people €1000 flat rate includes the fee to the maison.
Transportation is not included.
