Gloves, Cuffs & Collars: Embellishment, Structure and Haute Couture Stitching

Black organza top with large shawl collar with beaded detail by Claire Brooks

Adult Practical course
12-15 November 2007

Over four days in November sixteen adults worked with Brighton based fashion and knitware designer Juliana Sissons to create individual couture garments inspired by the V&A's Autumn exhibition 'The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957'.  

The aim of the course was to get students to create the elegance, detail and polish of couture garments by learning the finest sewing techniques as they are practiced in couture workrooms, including hand stitching, shaping with seams, darts and pressing, finishing edges, structuring and embellishing finished pieces.The students came from all over the UK and as far flung as Australia and New Zealand. They came from a variety of different backgrounds including the textile and fashion industry, while others were using the course to re-kindle their love of sewing and dress-making.  The finished pieces were as individual as the students themselves.