Update COVID-19:
As long as we in the Netherlands are bound by the current measures regarding ‘social distancing’, the lessons in the studio have been suspended. As soon as the measures become more flexible, we will consider when the program can be resumed.
Many people now opt for the online variants. You are also very welcome there!
More information about the online courses can be found via the top bar under the heading ‘Courses’ -> ‘Online Courses’.
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Jacket brings fashion revolution
Would you like to make a classic like the ‘Chanel’ jacket yourself? That is totally possible! Gabriëlle (Coco) Chanel brought a revolution in 1954, the moment she re-opened her couture house in Paris after the Second World War, when she launched her jacket suit -wide-cut against the prevailing fashion of tightly waisted waistlines with wide skirts- consisting of a straight jacket, inspired by men’s fashion, above a straight wrap skirt.
It is amazing how this jacket is still a symbol of good taste more than sixty years later, or, as Karl Lagerfeld put it: “The jeans, a white shirt and a Chanel jacket are never out of style.”
Ready-to-wear or Couture?
A jacket like ‘the classic black jacket’ is extremely laborious. Much of the manufacturing process is done by hand. There is an extreme eye for detail and a good fit. Although the jacket in the video below does not have a quilted lining, the process partly corresponds to the typical ‘Chanel’ jacket made of bouclé or tweed:
I don’t know how it works for you, but when I watch a movie like this I get completely excited! And I want to start making a jacket right away …!
The model is extremely ingenious. Because of the many parts of the jacket, it is possible to have the jacket fit perfectly to the body shapes. The original idea contains a number of special technical ‘tricks’ that invisibly reinforce the jacket and increase wearing comfort. These techniques are unique, but can be incorporated into all sorts of other items of clothing if the item requires it.
It is very inspiring for me to watch these kinds of videos from Chanel. Yet they do not show all the details that I am interested in. Last year, after years dreaming about this, I started my search for the details of a Chanel jacket with those unique characteristics that make the jacket feel casual, but with a polished look. A jacket that can be worn in almost any situation. A jacket that exudes unmistakable luxury and comfort. And I have never worked on a piece of clothing with such pleasure as this jacket. In the meantime I have expanded my knowledge of specific haute couture techniques through various courses. I would like to share this knowledge with you.
Course Classic ‘Chanel’ Jacket
Haute Couture Techniques
In this course we use specific haute couture techniques, like draping the jacket to a perfect fit, quilting the parts of the jacket with the lining, and making a self-selected or self-made ‘trim’. The course offers guidance in making the toile, choosing the color and model, and the realisation of the jacket itself.
Tailored Concept
Prior to the course there is a preparation day in which we fit a test-model to your body or drape the jacket to your body. You get a personal color and style advice this day. After this day you go home with a good pattern, color advice and a precise statement of the amount of fabric and materials you need. We call this the ‘tailored concept’.
Wide sewing experience
This is definitely not a course for starting seamstresses. We assume a wide sewing experience and preferably some knowledge of pattern drawing and draping. The course is an enrichment in techiques and manual finishes for professionals. Students always say that they have learned so much more than they had expected in advance.
Actual costs CHANEL jacket versus homemade
When you enjoy sewing yourself, whether you do it for yourself or for others, you can make a jacket that is completely tailored to your own or your client’s wishes. Not only in terms of color and design, but even taking into account every personal detail. You can make it as special and unique as you want. Time after time! You go home with a good fitting pattern and model. If you have some knowledge of patterns, it will take little effort to make variations on this model.
Course Content
We have made this course as complete as possible. The goal is that you have a perfectly fitting jacket of your own size at the end of the course, in a color that flatters you! This course offers:
- introduction day Chanel jacket
- customised pattern (with which you can vary endlessly yourself!)
- personal color-and style advice
- list of materials
- adresses where you can buy the materials (both online and offline)
- guidance during 5 lessons in making the jacket
There is the possibility to stay overnight above the studio (book a room in ourB&B Het Atelier!)
For whom is this course?
This course is suitable for people with a wide sewing experience and pattern knowledge.
General Information
Dates: appointment upfront online or in the atelier (for international students we plan a Skypecall upfront)
Course: 5 classes between May 18th and 29th, 2020, upon request divided or on consecutive days.
Location: Gasthuisstraat 16, 6981 CS in Doesburg, The Netherlands.
Costs 1349,- euro, incl. VAT.
After this course you may effortlessly make variations on this classic jacket, time and time again. Whether it’s for yourself or for someone else: you make people happy with a couture jacket made specific for the person!
Register now!
Response of a student after the course:
I thought for a long time before applying for the course “making a classic Chanel-inspired jacket”. I had been following Saskia for some time via Instagram and Facebook and had wanted a Chanel jacket for a long time. How cool is it to make this yourself.
I doubted if I could do it. Still, I entered the adventure. I have not regretted this. It was quite a project.
I knew in advance that making the jacket would be a lot of work. It was, but you can feel it when you put on the jacket. It looks like a jacket, but wears like a cardigan. This is because the lining is interwoven with the fabric; that’s where the work is done.
This is still not counting all other matters, such as the draping. There is also a lot of time in that, which makes the jacket look great. The moulage of the jacket, the tailoring of the pattern was a very special experience. Discovering how a jacket can be made on your body in this way and therefore looks very good is so cool.
The nicest thing about making the jacket was the processing of the lining to the outer fabric. In addition, seeing how the jacket takes shape is a fascinating process. Finding out which trim to use, how nice was that! I was and am not an experienced seamstress, but you should be. It requires a lot of patience and precision.
I have learned that you have to work very precisely, and you have to work until it is perfect. You will see the effort really reflects in the good result.
Saskia has given me confidence that I can do it, and I succeeded. She inspired me to get the best out of myself. After the first day of the course, I thought, “What have I started?” Partly due to all the help from Saskia, it has been a very successful process.
-Claire van Lente- September 2018-
Chanel Jacket made for you
I understand very well that not everyone who reads this, is able to free up time to crawl behind the sewing machine or attend a five-day course. It is also possible for you to wear a unique, handmade jacket, specially made for you. You can choose from a tailored jacket made of high-quality fabrics, without the special haute couture techniques. Such a jacket is beautiful and fits perfectly! Depending on fabric and model and decoration the prize of such a jacket will start from 997 euros, excluding VAT.
Are you ready for an upgrade of your (business) wardrobe? Please contact saskia@saskiaterwelle.nl to make an appointment.
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Couture training
The program of workshops, masterclasses and courses at Saskia ter Welle focuses on (prospective) professionals in the fashion industry who are looking for an opportunity to specialise in couture techniques. Enthusiastic amateurs are also very welcome! In the courses a balance is sought between technology and inspiration, between knowledge and skills and artistic expression. Discovering your own handwriting is seen as crucial in the distinctive craftsmanship of every student.
