Aurelia Leblanc, Dream Weaver in Elle Canada by Leah Van Loon
Aurelia Leblanc setting up her loom.
If you didn’t already know about my obsession with the incredible craftsmanship of the independent Haute Couture ateliers in Paris, suffice it to say that each visit to Paris finds me even more enamoured with their processes. I have been lucky enough to write about some of the more specialized artisans in Elle Canada, where I recently published a piece for the October issue about a weaver we often visit on my week-long group fashion experience tour, Aurelia Leblanc.
Aurelia Leblanc and Lucile Viaud with their glass fabric collaboration.
Aurelia is not only extremely talented but also very generously allows us to interrupt her work to explain the inventive and masterful weaving she does for fashion houses like Dior, Gaultier, Schiaparelli, and many more. I was awed when I found out she had been weaving with glass threads created by her collaborator, glassmaker Lucile Viaud. Without going into the details of how this is accomplished in this blog post (you can read the article here), it is a testament to her skill and ingenuity, both of which are necessary for someone working at the highest level of dressmaking in the world.
The weaving studio of Aurelia Leblanc.
While the glass fabric is currently more experimental and used as art weavings for decor, it takes its cues from her fashion fabrics, where the weft thread is replaced by unconventional materials like chain lengths, raffia, and even feathers. Explaining these techniques in print was challenging, and I am so glad I have benefited from Aurelia’s in-depth explanations and demonstrations on the loom, which guided me through it. I never take for granted the valuable time these artisans share with me. While I have curated a variety of fashion-related activities for the tour, the visits to Aurelia’s studio have always been a highlight of our week together in Paris for my clients. No matter how many times I am privileged enough to be welcomed into her space and process, I continue to be inspired by her dedication to her craft and remarkable creativity.
If you’d like to learn more about the supreme craftsmanship of Haute Couture on a fabulous week-long fashion-focused adventure in Paris, I hope you’ll join us in May for what will be my best fashion experience yet! Prices include your private room, but you'll get a substantial discount if you have someone to share with. From the Michelin star welcome dinner cruise down the Seine to guided tours of world-class fashion exhibitions to perusing unique artisan shops, this is a week you will never forget. Christmas is coming, and you deserve a treat!
Check out the sample itinerary here and see if this trip is right for you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, as I am always happy to chat about my favourite subject.
Let’s go to Paris!