A Visit to Flower Maker Legeron
- Sarah Palow
- Sep 5, 2014
- 4 min read
One of the most enchanting aspects of living in France is the opportunity to explore exquisite craft ateliers that continue to uphold the tradition of handmade artistry in the fashion world. Among these treasures is Legeron, a historic flower-making atelier that I had long yearned to visit. Finally, I carved out time to journey into Paris and immerse myself in the magic of this remarkable establishment.
Founded in 1880, Legeron has remained a family-run business, with Bruno, the great-grandson of the founder, at the helm today. As I navigated the quaint, winding streets of Paris, anticipation built with every step leading me toward this fabled atelier. Upon reaching the building, I ascended a narrow, spiraling staircase that seemed to echo the history embedded within its walls, each step a passage into a world where tradition and creativity flourish.
Opening the atelier door, I was warmly greeted by Bruno himself, who welcomed me into a back showroom steeped in nostalgia and craftsmanship. The hallways leading there were lined with boxes of supplies, some appearing as though they had been waiting for decades to reveal their secrets. Entering the showroom was like stepping into a treasure trove, with antique drawers stretching from floor to ceiling, each one holding the promise of discovery.
Bruno encouraged me to explore, and as I pulled open the drawers, I was mesmerized by the endless array of flowers in every conceivable color and fabric. Each flower was a testament to Legeron's artistry, having been meticulously crafted for a host of designers over countless Haute Couture shows. One drawer revealed a collection of latex flowers designed for the avant-garde Jean Paul Gaultier, while another brimmed with the iconic Chanel camellias that have graced so many elegant ensembles. The temptation to acquire these pieces was overwhelming.
Though mindful of my budget, I selected a few delicate flowers that would bring a touch of couture elegance to my bridal creations. These handmade blooms, imbued with a legacy of artistry and passion, promised to transform my designs into something truly special.
Visiting Legeron was not just a shopping trip—it was a deeply inspiring experience, a rare glimpse into a world where history and creativity intertwine to produce exquisite works of art. It was a journey into the heart of Parisian craftsmanship that I will cherish and draw inspiration from for many years to come.
In the Legeron showroom
After completing my shopping in the enchanting showroom, Bruno graciously invited me to embark on a tour of the Legeron atelier, where the magic of flower-making comes to life. This behind-the-scenes glimpse was a rare treat, offering me an intimate view of the meticulous artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating such exquisite pieces.
The tour began in the first room, a space bustling with creativity and focus. Here, skilled artisans used cookie cutter-like tools to cut the delicate petals into precise shapes. The air was filled with the rhythmic sound of metal meeting fabric, each cut a step closer to bringing an imaginative vision into reality. The room was a testament to precision and skill, with stacks of petals waiting to be transformed.
Next, I was led into the dyeing room, a vibrant space where each petal underwent a metamorphosis through color. The artisans skillfully hand-dyed and shaded each piece to achieve a natural, realistic look. The room was a kaleidoscope of hues, from soft pastels to bold, striking colors, each petal emerging as a unique work of art. The air was infused with the scent of dyes, a sensory reminder of the transformation taking place in this creative sanctuary.
The final stop on the tour was the workroom, where the artistry of flower-making truly blossomed. Here, petals were carefully arranged and attached to form the final, stunning blooms. Hundreds of flowers hung from lines crisscrossing the ceiling, drying and awaiting their turn to be sent out to fashion designers around the world. The room was a living gallery of floral diversity, showcasing everything from large, flowing white flowers to intricate Chanel tweed camellias, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
The Process
As one of the last flower makers in Paris, Legeron still works in the same painfully tedious, yet magical way it did many years ago. Each worker at the atelier is a skilled craftswoman who is referred to as a “petites mains.” (small hands) The flowers are all formed by hand starting with the fabric pinned to a frame and bathed in starch, gum or flour. The fabric is then punched out into shapes of petals. Each petal is dyed by hand and set aside to partially dry, then more dye is applied by hand to create shading around the edges. The petals are then placed on a try to dry over night. The next step is to hand form the petals using tools that are well over 100 years old. The metal tools are held over a gas flame to heat the tool which will round the edges of the petals to give a realistic effect. Some petals are embossed to create texture and they are then assembled and added onto a wire stem.
Legeron dying room
Cutting tools
Forming tools
Legeron mostly supplies the world of Haute Couture, film and television. Perhaps one of the most recognized works of Legeron is in the movie Marie Antoinette featuring Kirsten Dunst. They supply many of the couture houses from Dior to Jean Paul Gaultier and even create the famous Chanel camellia.
After thanking Bruno and his assistant for taking time to explain the process and show me around the atelier, I left the atelier feeling honored to have been given the chance to see this little piece of fashion history. Legeron is one of the few ateliers that are still hanging on and surviving in a world that seems to prefer outsourced, mass produced products. I am truly lucky to have the chance to experience these ateliers before they are all gone.
Looking through the drawers full of flowers
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