Who Are Mastering the Art of Embroidery

 

Intricate, symbolic, and artistic, the world of embroidery is nothing but fascinating.  For this blog, we’ve gathered for you 5 of our favourite designers who adorn their designs with embroidery patterns to give you some inspiration. So, sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy as we take a short trip to fashion embroidery.

 

  • Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen was famous for using bold and intricate embroidery patterns that added a flair of theatricality to all his designs. Created with a host of techniques, such as hand-beading, sequin work, and appliqué, the designs often referenced historical or cultural themes, creating a sense of drama and storytelling in his garments.

Faithful to the McQueens vision, Sarah Burton is producing critically acclaimed collections with a focus on handcraft. In her most recent collection, she drew artistic inspiration from the masterpieces of the Early Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch, channelling his legacy to craft a collection of bewitching embroidered garments distinguished by a buoyant hue of blue.

Each work was brought to life through multicoloured and metallic threads. Hand-embroidered nature scenes were collaged onto off-the-shoulder corset-waist gowns and bodysuits with matching draped leather belts and boots and catsuits. With every stitch, Sarah Burton imbued her creations with an ineffable sense of charm and enchantment, capturing the essence of the natural world and bringing it to life in each and every one of her captivating designs.

 

  • Dior

Dior embroidery is known for its exquisite detailing, which is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. The embroidery designs often feature intricate floral and animal motifs, delicate beadwork, and shimmering sequins, which are all hand-stitched onto the garments.

In 2022, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s haute couture collection paid tribute to the craftsmanship and know-how of the house, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Many of the dresses in the collection were structured with embroidery resembling lace, while knitted capes and dresses were stitched together with embroidery so fine it is almost invisible. 

The Fall 2023 embroidery notes the Maison includes “the multiple landscapes of India: this cartography mixes and spotlights the various techniques which, via the School’s work processes, become the realm of a woman’s legacy and an instrument at once of inventiveness and empowerment.

 

  • Elie Saab

Elie Saab is renowned for his exquisite embroidery, which has become a signature element of his designs. Saab's embroidery is known for its intricate detailing, delicate craftsmanship, and stunning beauty. His embroidery designs often feature complex patterns, elaborate beading, and intricate sequin work that is meticulously hand-stitched onto his garments.

From grandiose designs reminiscent of elegant doilies - a delightful feature in this context - to the intricate detailing of hundreds upon hundreds of sequins, these pieces of clothing are more than just fashion statements. They are genuine works of art.

Though some high-end garments may be fashioned with the aid of a top-of-the-line sewing machine, embroidery will forever remain a craft done by hand. The fastidious task of attaching complex beads, sequins, and threads to opulent and rare materials demands thousands of hours of focused dedication, and the resulting price tag is enough to make even the most composed individual's tear ducts tremble. 

While Elie Saab himself deserves immense recognition for his visionary designs, his embroidery team certainly deserves no less admiration for their tireless and devoted efforts that are often overlooked.

 

  • Chanel

The art of embroidery at CHANEL is a testament to the brand's ability to bridge the gap between fashion and art. It is a stunning display of the intricate connection between skill and creative inspiration and a traditional craft that is elevated by the magic of each unique silhouette. 

Gabrielle Chanel recognised the endless possibilities of embroidery, adorning her designs with embroidery, including the revolutionary tweed suit that she adorned. The Chanel ateliers continued to reinvent embroidery every season under Karl Lagerfeld's guidance, imbuing it with a constant renewal of contemporary magic.

Whether adorning trousers, dresses, jackets, sweaters or accessories, embroidery is an integral part of Chanel.  The hundreds of hours of work by the "petites mains," or skilled artisans, culminate in the fleeting beauty of a Chanel silhouette on the catwalk. 

Chanel embroidery is the very embodiment of art, where the virtuosity of the work is sublimated by its beauty and emotional impact, leaving one enraptured by the dazzling perfection of a completely unique creation.

 

  • Olympia Le-Tan

Founded by Gregory Bernard and Olympia Le-Tan in 2009, the brand re-imagines classic book covers and art pieces, transforming them into limited, coveted artisanal clutches.

The collections are an eclectic mix of bold designs inspired by various corners of the art world, from Jane Austen to Van Gogh Each design begins with adapting book covers or artwork to a felt model, which is then meticulously crafted and finished in a Parisian atelier.

Olympia Le-Tan bags are handmade and handsewn where from the original silk hand embroidery to the Liberty-printed lining, every detail is carefully considered. The result is collections of timeless and exquisite clutches that are as unique as they are stylish.

 

Wrapping-up

We hope you enjoyed this journey through the world of embroidery in fashion and were inspired by the diverse ways in which these designers have utilised embroidery. From the delicate details of Chanel to the dun-loving Olympia Le-Tan clutches, embroidery is a timeless technique that will continue to inspire and captivate fashion lovers for generations to come.