Textile Tales from Paris
Oh là là, Textile Tales from Paris is back! This wonderful adventure is a series of talks that tell the fascinating story of how luxury textiles and fashion became woven into the fabric of Paris. Last year Textile Tales from Paris was a huge success, and I’m delighted to offer this series again!
Kings & Queens, Fashion & Finance Ministers, Pandora Dolls and Midinettes are just some of the intriguing characters that will feature in these textile tales that travel through time from ancient Chinese dynasties to the glory of Versailles, from the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the extravagance of Haute Couture fashion in Paris during the Belle Époque. Along the way you’ll catch a glimpse of the artisans and merchants who continue this magnificent savoir-faire and craftsmanship, ensuring that Paris remains the capital of luxury textiles and fashion today.
More Details Please?
Join me on Sunday evenings for a cosy moment of storytelling, as I spin these wonderful tales, beautifully illustrated and lovingly researched. You can relax with a lovely cup of tea, embroider, knit or daydream as we travel together to Paris in bygone times.
There will be four series with four lectures. The lectures will be hosted on Zoom from 8pm to 9pm Paris time on Sunday evenings.
Each talk will be recorded and you will receive a link to the recording to watch again at your leisure. You will also receive notes for each lecture, with links to books, podcasts, videos, museums, libraries and lots more fascinating rabbit-holes!
What if I Attended Textile Tales from Paris Last Year?
I’m delighted you joined me on this textile adventure last year, merci beaucoup! I know how much you enjoyed our wonderful Sunday evenings of storytelling.
Series 1
Kings & Queens, Fashion & Finance Ministers, Pandora Dolls and Midinettes are just some of the intriguing characters that will feature in these textile tales that travel through time from ancient Chinese dynasties to the glory of Versailles, from the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the extravagance of Haute Couture fashion in Paris during the Belle Époque. Along the way you’ll catch a glimpse of the artisans and merchants who continue this magnificent savoir-faire and craftsmanship, ensuring that Paris remains the capital of luxury textiles and fashion today.
“What a lovely way to spend a Sunday evening - being transported back to La Belle Époque and other times! Rebecca’s evocative descriptions and faultless knowledge combine to create a fascinating series of talks that have sent me scurrying back to Zola and Colette to catch glimpses of the world and people she mentions.”
-Jerry, 2022
The Origins of Haute Couture: From Opéra to Le Sentier
The intriguing history of luxury textiles and fashion is revealed through the geography of the winding streets and wide boulevards of Paris. Travelling from Opéra to Le Sentier, we meet kings, politicians, spies cloth merchants, milliners, glove-makers, feather-workers, embroiderers and the fiercely independent Midinettes.
2. From an Empress to a Marquise
The story of Haute Couture embroidery is fascinating, it begins long ago, like all good stories, with a curious Empress in an ancient Chinese dynasty and travels across the Silk Trade Routes and the Ottoman Empire until it finally reaches the Marquis de Pompadour at the Royal Court in Versailles.
3. Tickled Pink
For the love of savoir-faire we discover the marvellous world of paruriers, the talented artisans who craft the buttons, fans, gloves, silk flowers and even feathers that feature in Haute Couture fashion. Chanel established Paraffection to preserve their exquisite talents and showcase their work annually at the exclusive Métiers d’Art fashion show.
4. Fashion Merchants, Ministers & Miniatures
The tale begins with Rose Bertin who was promoted from working as a fashion merchant in Paris to being the Minister of Fashion for Queen Marie Antoinette at Versailles. Her coveted dress designs travelled across Europe on tiny, exquisite Pandora dolls.