A Weekend in Paris Part II- Lesage

While visiting Paris in January, we had the chance to see an extraordinary exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Lesage House of embroidery. Lesage, renowned for its intricate embellishments in haute couture, continues to serve the fashion industry today, employing hundreds of artisans in both France and India.

The exhibition was held at the gallery in le19m, a dedicated space that now houses eleven of Chanel’s specialist ateliers—including Lesage, which became part of the Chanel family in 2002. The display showcased stunning haute couture pieces featuring Lesage embroidery, spanning nearly a century of fashion. From Madeleine Vionnet’s delicate designs of the 1930s to Chanel’s creations from just two years ago, the exhibit highlighted the enduring artistry of embroidery in couture.

Adding a contemporary touch, the exhibition also featured modern fabric designs and an innovative collaborative commission with artist Aristide, inspired by the movement of a murmuration of starlings. It was a beautiful tribute to the craftsmanship and creativity that continue to define Lesage today.

Here are a few images from the exhibition.

Instructional stitch cards and sketches:

A frame showing the signature Luneville hook embroidery, worked from the reverse.

Madeleine Vionnet design, 1931-32 with embroidery sample.

Schiaparelli Harlequin Dress Sample and photo by Francois Kollar.

Drawing and sample for a dinner jacket by Balenciaga, 1962. Embroidery with chenille, tube, velvet flowers, and “bridge of pearl.”

The final piece.

Sample for Yves Saint Laurent, 1988.

Murmuration by Aristide, embroidered with visitor participation, 2024. Embroidery and video projection.

You can take classes at Lesage from a 3-hour introduction to professional level training.