Jacket brings fashion revolution
Want to make a classic like the ‘Chanel’ jacket yourself? You can! Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel revolutionized her maison in 1954, when she re-opened her couture house in Paris after the Second World War when, contrary to the prevailing fashion of tightly cinched waists with wide skirts, she launched her suit. consisting of a straight jacket, inspired by men’s fashion, above a straight wrap skirt.
It’s amazing how more than sixty years later this jacket is still a symbol of good taste, 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 making process is done by hand. There is an extreme eye for detail and 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 video like this I get really excited! And immediately want to start on a jacket …!
The model is extremely ingenious. Due to the many panels, it is possible to have the jacket perfectly match the body shapes. The original idea contains a number of special technical ‘tricks’ that invisibly strengthen the jacket and increase wearing comfort. These techniques are unique, but can be incorporated into all kinds of other garments if the garment requires it.
It is very inspiring for me to watch these kinds of videos from Chanel. Still, they don’t show all the details I’m interested in. A few years ago I started my search for the details of a Chanel jacket with those unique features that make the jacket feel casual, but look very chic. A jacket that can be worn in almost any situation. A jacket that exudes unmistakable luxury and comfort. I started working on this under supervision and I can only say one thing: I have never enjoyed working on a piece of clothing as much as this first Chanel inspired jacket. I have since expanded my knowledge of specific haute couture techniques through various courses. I would like to share this knowledge with you.
Masterclass Classic ‘Chanel’ Jacket
Renewed Tailored Concept
During this masterclass, discover the magic of a handmade couture jacket inspired by the CHANEL classic
New luxury: handicraft and couture details
A highly specialized and super-specific masterclass for fashion veterans. You learn to make a classic Chanel jacket in the way that is customary in haute couture. A combination of draping and pattern drawing creates a perfectly fitting pattern. Step-by-step you will learn special sewing techniques with which the jacket is assembled -mainly by hand- and you will realize your first, homemade item. All this in an inspiring environment.
Actual cost CHANEL jacket vs homemade
A jacket from Chanel’s Ready-to-Wear collection costs between 5000 and 6000 euros. Although you have the Chanel label and design, the jacket is not yet tailor-made for you. You wear a clothing size off the rack. For a couture jacket you easily pay between 10,000 and 30,000 euros (or higher), depending on the model and the decoration (e.g. embroidery).
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 needs or those of your client for a fraction of this amount. 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 will go home with a good fitted pattern and model. If you have some knowledge of patterns, you should have little trouble making variations on this model.
Content Course
The goal is that at the end of the course you have a perfectly fitting jacket in your own size. This course offers:
- Understanding the process of making a Chanel jacket the couture way
- Knowledge of hand sewing techniques where applicable in this jacket
- Guidance in making a jacket
It is possible to stay overnight above the studio (book a room in our B&B Het Atelier )
Who is this course intended for?
For any Chanel enthusiast who wants to give his or her sewing skills a new boost and learn to sew a classic Chanel Jacket for themselves; for dressmakers, fashion designers, seamstresses and tailors who want to take their sewing skills to the next level by learning new sewing techniques that they can apply in different ways for themselves or for clients.
This course requires serious commitment (read: homework!) between classes to achieve the desired result. Count on at least 10-15 hours per week in addition to the course day.
The course is an enrichment for professionals in technique and manual finishing. Students invariably say that they learned so much more than they expected.
General information
Location: Dutch Couture Academy, Gasthuisstraat 16, 6981 CS in Doesburg
Time: 10-16 hours (coffee from 9:30 am)
After this course, you’ll be making variations on this classic, time and time again. Whether it’s for yourself or for someone else: you make people happy with this!
What can you expect from this Masterclass?
Guidance in making a CHANEL jacket.
Explanation and advice, getting started yourself and seeing how others approach this, all elements that will increase your insight and skills.
For a carefree day, you can completely immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional manufacturing processes. In the beautiful, historic city center of Doesburg, you will be fully taken care of: including coffee, tea and lunches during class days. Maximum 8 participants. Participants are expected to work on the jacket (homework) for approximately 10-15 hours between class days.
At the end of the course you will have:
For International Students
I receive many requests from people around the world to attend a one week course in making a CHANEL-inspired jacket. I have considered providing one, but decided not to do so. Why?
If you have read the course content above, you understand the meticulous work that goes into a jacket. And although I think it is quite doable, most people thrive on assistance to start AND FINISH their first jacket. This cannot be done in one week. That’s why I teach it in a way that people do homework and come back. I hope you understand this. This is the only way I can teach it thoroughly and comprehensive.
-> Note regarding the pandemic: If the corona measures are tightened, we will adapt and then we will do a corona check on arrival of a course day in the studio with the QR code for events. We may split up the group or provide guidance on an individual basis, depending on the situation.
Response of a student after the course:
I thought long and hard before signing up for the “Creating a Classic Chanel-Inspired Jacket” course. I had been following Saskia on Instagram and Facebook for some time and wanted a Chanel jacket for a long time. How cool is it to make this yourself.
I doubted if I could. Still, I took the plunge and did it. I have not regretted this. It was quite an adventure.I knew beforehand that making the jacket would be a lot of work. It was, but you also feel that when you put on the jacket. It looks like a jacket, but wears like a vest. That’s because the lining is intertwined with the fabric; therein lies the work.This is separate from all other matters, such as the moulage. This also takes a lot of time, so the jacket fits very nicely. The draping of the jacket, tailoring the pattern was a very special experience. Discovering how a jacket can be made to fit your body and therefore fits very well, is very cool.The best thing about making the jacket was the processing of the lining on the outer fabric. In addition, seeing how the jacket takes shape is a fascinating process. Even figuring out the trim, how nice was that! I was not and am not an experienced seamstress, but you should be. It takes a lot of patience and precision.I’ve learned that you have to work very precisely, and you just have to lash out until it’s perfect. In the end, you really see that effort reflected in the beautiful result.Saskia gave me confidence that I can do it, and I succeeded. She has 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 of Spring- September 2018-
I look forward to working with you…
Making a Chanel jacket is really a special experience. An experience that makes me very happy, time after time. Now you may be wondering how that is possible? It’s the slow, careful pace in which a unique piece of clothing is put together almost entirely by hand. With an eye for detail. And that is not only very pleasant to do … you see and feel the difference. Being able to bring about that experience not only for yourself but also for others is very satisfying for me. And it could be for you too! The course introduces you to a new way of working: the new luxury of handmade details. The ultimate form of slow fashion. I look forward to meeting you personally in my studio in the atmospheric inner city of the historic inner city of Doesburg.
Ciao!
Saskia
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Couture education
The program of workshops, masterclasses and training at Saskia ter Welle is aimed at (prospective) professionals in the fashion industry who are looking for an opportunity to specialize in couture techniques. In the courses, a balance is sought between technique and inspiration, between knowledge and skill and artistic expression. Discovering one’s own handwriting is seen as crucial in the distinctive craftsmanship of each student.
