Textile Tour Reviews
“I had the wonderful opportunity to take a Textile Tour with Rebecca on a recent trip to Paris, and I am so glad I did. There aren't enough descriptors to explain what the Tour includes, because Rebecca herself is multi-talented and readily shares her knowledge. Highly educated and decorated in textile arts and embroidery, she brings the history of Parisian textile and fashion alive. A fascinating and engaging storyteller, Rebecca is also a delightful person. The time spent goes much too quickly and feels like an active visit with a dear friend, stopping at other friends' businesses. Textiles and notions carry the stories of the women who created them, and Rebecca keeps not only the prominent women's lives known to us, but informs us of some of the lesser-known women who impacted the world we know today. I consider this Tour, and any other Rebecca offers, as well as her lectures and classes, opportunities not to miss. She is a living treasure, much like the textiles she shows on the Tour.”
-Jan, USA
“The haberdashery tour has been the highlight of my Paris trip. Rebecca took us to the most antique and fascinating places where threads, silks, feathers and ribbons will become part of the most luxurious contemporary items, just as they were 200 years ago. We met shop owners who’ve been in the business for generations and places that aren’t open to the general public. If you are obsessed with the history of textiles as I am you shouldn’t miss this opportunity. I can say that my reading is complemented with a warm and fabulous live experience.”
- Alejandra, Mexico
“What a truly wonderful three hours! Rebecca’s textile tour yesterday took the group of 10 to some of my old favourite and out of the way places that you’d never find in a million years! I particularly enjoyed observing the close relationships between Rebecca and the business owners, the sharing of histories of these unique businesses added fascinating stories for us to enjoy. Rebecca’s personal story as an embroiderer in Parisian couture fashion houses made the tour even more enjoyable and interesting. Flea market tour booked next week on the strength of yesterday’s tour! Highly recommended! Merci beaucoup Rebecca.”
- Sue, Australia
“I attended the Textile Tour of Paris on a dreary, cold Spring day but from the start I knew I was in for something special. This Tour included visits into ‘closed to the public’ shops, a chance to meet creators, peeks behind the scenes, covered passages, even a visit with a 6th generation silk thread maker! Our group was truly international and it was a pleasure to spend time with curious and interesting people. Rebecca's knowledge is unmatched. She is engaging as well as knowledgeable and her tour makes you feel like you are ‘IN’ on the exclusive and tantalizing world behind haute couture. If you are lucky enough to be in Paris on a Friday, book this Tour.”
- Theresa, USA
“Being on this great tour of several haberdashers and textile shops in Paris was not just an education but also quite thrilling. “Guide” inadequately describes the lovely Rebecca, whose formidable knowledge of the history of Paris over the centuries transcends haute couture and its glorious embellishments. The shamefully overlooked army of girls and women (les midinettes) whose extraordinary skills made France the centre of fashion were brought to the forefront by Rebecca. The artists who keep these precious and, in some cases, imperilled skills alive are welcoming, informative and inspirational. The sight of old boxes of shimmering silk spools, rich fabrics, ribbons and buttons, exotic hat trimmings and ancient hat blocks, hanging hanks of wools of many kinds, gossamer lace and exceptional embroidery are an unforgettable treat for the senses. The tour is a celebration of beauty and creativity; a real slice of couture and cultural history.”
- Bridget, Luxembourg
“Yesterday I took Rebecca's textile tour. It was fabulous. Even if someone gave me the list of addresses, the visits would not have been nearly as interesting. Rebecca introduced us to the owners. She explained the history of the craft represented in the shops and the neighborhoods they were in, the background of the owners and of the shops themselves. The context she gave us made everything much more interesting. Also, things are done differently in France. Now I know what to ask for when I return to these places. If textiles are your thing, this tour is an essential part of your next visit to Paris.”
- Lynn, France
“I didn't know what to expect going on this tour! I'm a crafty person and love things like threads, beads, ribbons, etc., but I went with a friend and didn't know too much about the details. First thing to mention, Rebecca, our tour guide, is warm and very knowledgeable. She brings such a relaxing vibe and she had so many interesting stories about the area and the stores we visited. It was amazing to see these intimate shops with all the findings one would hope for and hear the history behind it all! Also, the walk itself is very doable and easy to manage. I felt like I got a glimpse of the city in a way that I wouldn't have had had I not gone on this tour. Thank you Rebecca for sharing your love of textiles and giving me such a wonderful memory to last forever!”
-Rachel, USA
“I recently came to Paris to spend a ‘bucket list‘ month immersing myself in all things art and textiles. I wanted to dig into some ‘off the beaten path’ activities. I had seen a few things about Rebecca Devaney and her textile tours online before I arrived. I booked a tour with her (which ended up being tours!) and what a gift it turned out to be! Her curated list of textile sights and astounding breadth of knowledge provided me with so many delightful moments. She was able to show things I would not found or appreciated on my own: exquisite ribbons and lace, artisanal shops, threads and yarns suppliers, haberdasheries and fabric districts and markets. All of this within the framework of historical haute couture in France. Rebecca was also very generous in sharing other places to see and explore on my own, both vintage and new culture. I so appreciated learning of her own path to Paris fashion culture and I am very excited to continue learning from her through her online courses. She definitely influenced my entire trip in a very unexpected and delightful way!”
- Lila, USA
“I treated myself to a trip to Paris for Rebecca's textile tours recently. It was a wonderful experience. Rebecca's wealth of local knowledge was amazing. I can highly recommend both tours.”
-Anita, Ireland
“Thank you so much for showing us all the hidden gems of Paris. I am a big fan of embroidery and antique. I was glad to see that my sister who was not interested in such topics before are now considering to start embroidering. She was really inspired by your stories and she began to understand the meaning and beauty of haute couture. "
- Evgeniya, London
“I have so enjoyed all of Rebecca’s fabulous opportunités to explore the world of embroidery and Textiles in Paris. The Textile tour; flea market tour and Samplers of Seduction class and kit were all entertaining, educational, and inspiring. Thank you Rebecca”
- Sue, USA