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Writer's pictureSarah Palow

École Lesage: Where I Studied Professional Haute Couture Beadwork And Embroidery

Updated: Sep 28


A detail of haute couture embroidery.

In the heart of Paris, 50 seamstresses are hunched over wooden frames feverishly stitching hundreds of tiny cut glass beads, sequins and rhinestones onto gossamer cloth. They are working at “The House of Lesage,” one of the world’s most prestigious embroidery ateliers. Founded in 1858, Lesage is responsible for some of the most iconic embroideries in fashion history. From Chanel’s iconic interlocking Cs to Dior’s delicate lily-of-the-valley motifs, Lesage’s embroideries are cherished by fashion houses and designers all over the world. Today, the atelier continues to create exquisite embroideries by hand, using techniques that have been passed down through generations of skilled artisans. It is a labour of love that results in truly unforgettable garments.


I am one of the few lucky students who has been certified in Haute Couture Beadwork and Embroidery at Ecole Lesage. In 2009, I packed up everything I owned and moved to Paris to begin my journey in the world of fashion!


Quality and Luxury


From delicate beading to elaborate appliqués, the house of Lesage is synonymous with quality and luxury. In 2009 I moved to Paris to learn from the best, and Lesage was my first choice. I studied Professional Haute Couture Embroidery with the workers at Lesage, and I was able to gain an intimate understanding of the level of craftsmanship that goes into each and every piece. It was an unforgettable experience, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such talented artisans.


Couture beadwork.

For my course, I had to work 150 hours in Lesage, and another 150 on my own. I learned all kinds of stitches and beadwork. First, I had to learn all the stitches on a sample piece of gossamer fabric such as this sample made from sequins beads, and ribbon.


Once I had accomplished this, I was able to start my main project. It ended up taking me about 400 hours to complete it using hundreds of beads, sequins and threads. Below are some pictures of my work at Lesage.




Lesage professional project.

Professional couture embroidery.

A detial of Lesage embroidery.

Paris is known for its fashion, and Lesage is one of the most prestigious embroidery houses in the city. Throughout history, Lesage has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy. The house is best known for its beadwork and sequin embroidery, a technique called Luneville (named after the town in France where it originated). On average, Lesage hand sews 100 million sequins and 150lbs of beads each year. The company's master craftsmen and women are true artists, able to create intricate designs that are as beautiful as they are durable. Lesage's embroideries are truly works of art, and they add a touch of luxury to any garment.


Studying At Lesage

Studying at Lesage was an incredible honor, something that felt almost surreal, like stepping into a dream that most can only imagine. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Paris, the classrooms were tucked beneath the renowned atelier, a place where magic seemed to happen with every stitch.

As students, we were occasionally granted the rare privilege of stepping into the atelier itself, a bustling hive of creativity and craftsmanship. Each visit was like an unveiling, a glimpse behind the curtain of haute couture. We would wander through the workrooms, our eyes wide with wonder, as the skilled artisans of Lesage deftly stitched and beaded exquisite fabrics destined for the world’s most luxurious fashion houses.


The atmosphere in the atelier was electric, filled with the soft sounds of needles piercing fabric and the whispers of threads being woven into masterpieces. Shelves were lined with an array of vibrant threads, shimmering beads, and delicate sequins, each waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary.


Being guided through this world of artistry and precision was both inspiring and humbling. We watched in awe as the masters worked their magic, their hands moving with an effortless grace that spoke of years of dedication and passion. It was in these moments that we truly understood the legacy of Lesage and the level of excellence that it represented.


Studying there was not just about learning a skill; it was about becoming part of a tradition, one that celebrated the beauty of handmade artistry. Every visit to the atelier was a reminder of the transformative power of creativity and the privilege it was to witness such craftsmanship up close. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on each of us, shaping our understanding of what it truly means to be part of the world of haute couture embroidery.


François Lesage


I was lucky enough to meet the last heir, François Lesage, during my stay in Paris. He would come and stand over me while I worked, watching as I stitched intricate designs onto delicate fabrics. It was very intimidating, but also a great honor to be able to meet such a talented and revered craftsman. Lesage is responsible for some of the most beautiful and iconic embroideries in the world, and it was fascinating to see firsthand how the atelier operates.


My Collections


Now that I am trained in Haute Couture Beadwork and Embroidery, I use these age-old techniques in my clothing and accessories. I love to create pieces with beadwork and embroidery that is usually only seen on the couture runways of Paris. My new collection L’Amour Fou shows examples of Luneville embroidery and Haute Couture techniques that you will only find from those trained in Paris. Check them out today!


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