Coherence of Design, Technique and Appearance in Couture Crafts:

The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept

Welcome to this page with information about our innovative program: The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept. In this program we will explore the wonderful world of sewing techniques, embroidery techniques and pattern techniques. Before I explain further what this program entails, it is important to understand the connection between design, technique and appearance in the world of couture. These three elements are the essence of every couture creation and work harmoniously together to create a unique and sophisticated piece. Let’s delve deeper into this connection.

Design

The design is the starting point of every couture creation. It includes the idea, inspiration and concepts behind the garment. The design determines the shape, style, proportions and overall vision of the final piece. When designing couture, designers must consider the techniques they want to use and the desired look of the final product. The choice of techniques must fit the design to achieve the intended look.

Technique

Sewing, embroidery and pattern techniques form the technical basis of couture crafts. These techniques are the tools designers use to bring their vision to life. Sewing techniques include such things as sewing seams, reinforcing fabric, creating pleats, inserting zippers and finishing edges. Embroidery techniques add sophistication and detail to the piece, using different stitches, beads, sequins and other decorative elements. Pattern techniques are essential for creating the correct fit and proportions of the garment.

Impact

The look of a couture piece is the final result of the interplay between design and technique. It includes the aesthetics, feel and impact of the garment when worn. The choice of appropriate techniques and their execution directly influence the look of the piece. Sewing techniques determine the quality of construction and fit, while embroidery techniques add unique character and texture. Pattern techniques ensure proper proportions and shapes. By carefully working every aspect of the craft, the intended look can be achieved.

Design, technique and look are inseparable in the world of couture. A good design that is thoughtful and appropriate to the desired look can only come to life through proper techniques. Similarly, excellent technical execution can only result in a stunning look if the design is well thought out. Understanding this connection allows us to successfully create couture pieces that are both technically proficient and visually stunning.

The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept

For students delving into couture crafts, it is essential to understand the connection between design, technique and appearance. Therefore, in The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept, we take the individual student’s technical focus as a starting point, and we then place it into the whole of design, technique and appearance. By making these three elements work together in harmony, we can bring beautiful couture creations to life.

This makes the program a hybrid between fashion design, craft and (not insignificantly) a more business-like component. In it, you explore opportunities to generate income streams within a specific niche or application.

So let’s go further and develop our skills in sewing, embroidery and pattern techniques, with a keen eye for design and the intended look. Enjoy exploring the diverse world of couture crafts. Welcome to The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept.

Studies

Within The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept you can focus on a specific craft (for example, Broderie d’Art or couture sewing skills) or a specific business goal (for example: you want to set up a business in personalized accessories and get the necessary technical input to make it happen).

Depending on the time and effort you put into the program, you can start working at a professional level after a year.

Broderie d’Art

If you want to focus entirely on haute couture embroidery, Broderie d’Art is your direction. Depending on your starting level and your intended goal, we will put together a program for you in which you will improve and refine your technique, in which you will realize your own designs and in which you will prepare yourself for professional projects using this particular Parisian couture technique. These projects can include starting your own embroidery studio, working for fashion designers or artists or starting a webshop).

Sewing Secrets

Are you into special sewing techniques? Would you like to learn hand sewing techniques to realize a couture Chanel jacket yourself? Do you dream of making corsets and evening gowns? Do you want to start a bridal studio? Then Sewing Secrets is your direction! Starting from self-draped or -drawn patterns you get to work with special fabrics. You will discover different ways of reinforcement and finishing. You will challenge yourself to deviate from traditional methods to achieve innovative results. And gradually a new route to a future full of couture creations opens up for you. Unique. Handmade. For a special target group that suits you exactly.

Pattern Techniques

Developing patterns? You dream of it! And not just the standard, but especially the unusual designs. You’re going to discover how to solve tricky fitting and design situations through moulage. You will work at the intersection of design and engineering. In doing so, you will develop an eye for what looks good on someone and how to consciously deal with that.

Design

If you want to develop as a fashion maker toward design, a world will open up to you as you discover how to turn ideas into concrete designs. Break through the barrier of not-knowing-where-to-start and realize your first own fashion collection.

Practice, Portfolio and Presentation

We work according to the three Ps during this program: Practice (of a specific technique), Portfolio (collection of tangible evidence of your ability) and Presentation (skill in presenting your particular craft; telling your personal “story”).

Total Concept

Regardless of your background and desired direction, if you want to integrate couture craft into your current work (whether art, fashion or interior design) it is possible to put together an individual program and guide you in further developing your talent and vision for the future.

And this is exactly where Dutch Couture Academy stands out from other courses: starting with the basics of technique, you’ll immediately also explore its relevance to your own unique work. You learn how to transform an idea in your head into a concrete design. You will learn how to find the right materials. And also how to use them to create a special product or service.

Many people have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for special crafts. That is often a good thing. But do you know how to make money with this, so that you can enjoy it every day?

What would it be like for you if you could live your passion EVERY DAY? If it gave you not only income, but also enormous freedom in the choices of how to live your life?

Everything in this program is aimed at helping you on your way to developing independently within the niche you see for yourself.

Develop your craft skills and create your own designs. Discover where your talent is in this area and how you can possibly use this talent to generate income. This course with assignments and homework challenges you to actively develop yourself further. The inspiration of the technique and the many possible applications, the contact with other students and the working out of the assignments will give you new ideas. What may be playing vaguely in your head right now, you will work out concretely with the help of me and your fellow course members.

Preliminary education

For sewing and pattern techniques, an education in the field of fashion (MBO fashion tailor, fashion design, seamstress, HBO fashion design) or comparable. For embroidery, dexterity with needle and thread is sufficient.

Investment

First of all: time! You can take this program part-time, but if you have full-time availability, everything will develop at a faster pace. You work primarily at home on assignments. You follow an online program at your own pace. In addition, there are biweekly ZOOM calls, each covering a topic relevant to each student.

There are class days in Doesburg, where you get feedback on your work, where you meet other students. These days always have a program that motivates, inspires and gives you a new boost to realize your dreams.

Building new routines into your life will open up a world of new possibilities for you. The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept helps you get started on a daily basis with your passion for craft. Your hands learn to make beautiful things while your head gathers new insights to conceive, elaborate and execute designs on its own.

START: July 2023

The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept can be complemented by participation in an International Couture Retreat.

If this program appeals to you, make an appointment for an online Zoom call with Saskia. This appointment is designed to explore whether you fit within the program of The Couture & Craftsmanship Concept.