Even in France, the handmade couture arts are dying. Francois Lesage was born into the Maison Lesage embroidery atelier. This was, is, the creme de la creme of embroiderers who worked for the top couturiers, from Vionnet to Dior and Lagerfeld at Chanel. It was purchased by the House of Chanel in 2002 as a way of guaranteeing the survival of this art form as other artisans, button makers, milliners, etc., were shuttering their doors.
He also spent time in Los Angeles doing costume design work for clients like Marlene Dietrich. He moved back to Paris in 1949 after the death of his father to take over Maison Lesage. He even set up an embroidery school next to its headquarters to pass on the trade.
The company plans to keep Maison Lesage operating. Let’s hope that these art forms don’t become extinct.
AFPTV still from YouTube. Look at the beading and embroidery on this coat. This shit is done by hand, skilled hands. Every bead and stitch, BY HAND. They're amazing.
YouTube link to Lesage videos.
The Fashionéaste 
You must be logged in to post a comment.