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Masters Workshop
Exploring the Legacy of Master Couturiers
Madeleine Vionnet is one of the most influential designers to me. I have spent countless hours studying her work and replicating some of her designs. Her unique bias cuts and manipulation of fabric was avant garde in her time and her work is still modern and advanced today. Cristobal Balenciaga was also influenced by Madeleine Vionnet, and he similarly knew how to control and shape fabric and patterns to get the desired fit and movement in his designs. His sculptural and abstract designs are more than just fashionable, they are timeless.
During this 5-day course, you will more fully understand the history of these two couture legends and their contributions to fashion and art. If you have an inclination to learn how to sew with silk and on the bias, or you are fascinated by voluminous, tailored designs, this class is for you. You will learn step by step couture techniques and special finishing details that you can apply to any garment. You will also get to inspect an original Balenciaga coat from 1951. You will find that you will spend very little time at the sewing machine but most of your time honing the craft of couture with your hands.
If you would like to make a Vionnet inspired garment. I have drafted slopers from Betty Kirke’s book “Madeleine Vionnet”, and the Bunka Fashion School pattern book. You may choose one of the following:
- 1937 “Golden” Skirt and top (#18)
- 1928 One Seam One Shoulder (#11)
- 1935 Quadrant Evening Gown (#12)
- 1933 Day Dress (#25)
- 1932 Shoulder Decollete (#14)
- Mobius Dress
- 1919 Squares Dress (#3)
- Your Own Bias Cut Garment Pattern
Or, if you would like to make a Balenciaga inspired garment, I have self-drafted slopers of some of his iconic designs. You may choose one the following:
- 1961 “One Seam” Coat with Gusset
- 1964 Curved Seam Coat
- 1951 Square Collar Evening Coat
- 1957 U-Shaped High/Low Skirt and Bodice
- 1950 Pleated Sleeve Coat (Paletot)*
- 1954 Circle Coat*
- 1967 Envelope Cocktail Dress
- 1956 Bubble Skirt-Cape
- 1957 Sack Dress
*Pattern created by Center for Pattern Design (CPD) and may be purchased at L’Etoffe Fabrics. CPD patterns are half-scale and I will assist you in turning it into a full-scale size in class.
The sloper of the pattern you choose will be available for tracing on the first day of class. The patterns are not for sale individually and for class purposes only. You may view images of finished garments that are replicas of these original Vionnet and Balenciaga designs on my Gallery page.
The location of the class will be in charming downtown Franklin,Tennessee. Further information will be provided upon registration. The class is $1350 and includes the pattern of your choice, fitting, invaluable couture information, and over 35 hours of instruction. With a small class size limited to 5 people, you get plenty of individual attention. .
2025 dates coming soon!
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