École Holt Couture

Joel and Son Fabrics in UK, is our most divine luxury fabric source. Have a look into fabric heaven in this video. I can imagine myself back there crawling through the aisles at the slowest pace I can master [you will too if you get the chance to shop in person]. Stewart Parvin Tours the Joel & Son Fabrics Store: Fabric Shopping with the Queen’s dressmaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GjH7dWAE4E&feature=youtu.be #luxuryfabric #designerfabric #couturefabric

The backstory, the specs, and characterizations is all part of the professional accumulation of knowledge of EHC graduates! #EliseSpigottCouture

Making small scale versions of a full scale design is not as easy as it appears. These shown are smaller than 1/2 scale models/mannequins typically available for designers to experiment with. The challenge is to create downscaled 'everything' including the detailing [stitching, buttons, beading, embroidery etc.] - it doesn't always entirely accurately convey the exact intentions of the designer. But, it is a great way to visualize in 3D more than just an impression, and consumes less time and material to finalize exactly which materials, fabrics and embellishments are ultimately chosen. #couturesewingminiatures #christiandiorminiatures #christiandior

EHC occasionally posts photos of our students in class engaged in creative work at the work benches. Our current class working on drafting patterns and hand sewing lace samplers. #couturesewing, #handsewing, #draftingpatterns,

The studio workbench [work table] at Ecole Holt Couture studio. One piece of furniture, many functions. How to make your own... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FobGIDgV1Y

Finding another use for something that may have gone to waste. Fashion can be very interesting when you see the potential, even more satisfying when it can actually be worn, more than a piece of art for its own sake. #artisticcouture

Great tips for acquiring fashion! How we can be part of the solution and support local makers.

Today was the last official day of fall Term until January 2021. We did it! Mask to mask to mask. Cleanest hands ever. Sanitized as a team. Awesome students! #covid19schoolyear

The perfect Couture size is a follow up from the EHC video: ‘This Thing About the Perfect Size‘. It explains what standard sizing is, why it was invented, and when it is required. But it has also become a marketing lure directed at label-conscious or size snob buyers. For example, a size 0 suggests that it is made for slim top model types. Whereas for size 4 individuals, it perhaps suggests ‘beyond the scope of being considered’ for a magazine cover, but in fact, they could b...e the very same body shape. If you suddenly find that you’ve jumped from a size 10 to a size 14, you may wonder where all of a sudden you’ve gained all that extra weight, but it may just be two different brand’s set of sizing. It has become ‘all about the implications of size. In any case, it causes unnecessary stress. However, ‘Couture made’ or ‘Bespoke’ has very little in common with size standards, or sizing units, and is uniquely assigned to one, or each individual. If we all had a choice, we too would choose couture made! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpnBjdlwdic

Inspiring story #RememberanceDay2020 | Putting skills to use with her 1936 sewing machine for a wonderful cause. "...She remembered her sister had bought some poppy fabric to make masks and it twigged on her: I’m am going to buy the poppy fabric and make these masks and donate the profits to the legion. And since then, her apartment has turned into a makeshift war-effort production line a modern day Laura Secord with her trusty 1936 Singer sewing machine..." #sewingmasks #1936SingerSewingMachine #November11 #

Amazing voice of #CeceliaBartoli is worth noting, but the reason I'm sharing this video is the the well fitting Bustier she is wearing on stage. Proof that bustiers needn't be tight and suffocating to be attractive. Well made and well fitted custom bustiers allow plenty of room for the lungs and diaphragm to function properly (ie. comfortable). Learn the skills to create function and comfortable awesome garments at Ecole Holt Couture. #couturesewing #bustier #howtosew

Something to think about. At EHC this is one of the prime reasons we use pure natural fibres, instead of synthetics whenever possible - which is 90% of the time. We only use synthetics in cases for items as rain wear [nylon or Gortex] which both have a much longer life span, but still do not breakdown to a environmentally healthy end. However, if there were a suitable natural fibre alternative - we would much rather be using it! [Alternatives could be waxed or oiled linen] re...ad: "How much plastic is there in a pair of stretch jeans? THIS MUCH! Instead of breaking down, these jeans were still a mess of tangled plastic after being composted for a whole year! Plastic doesn't biodegrade, instead it breaks down into microplastics that end up pretty much EVERYWHERE, even in our food! Hold onto your clothes for longer, look for 100% cotton on clothing labels and say no to synthetic fibers!a" See more

This thing about Size! What is the perfect size? Couture [and Tailoring] in our world space does not include 'Size' https://youtu.be/NT4bGBW2Uk4

Heather Crowshoe Couture - live video about the unique process of couture and Indigenous culture - understanding. #HeatherCrowshoeCouture @Heather Crowshoe

What are some indicators for success in a career in sewing - Couture, Tailoring, and Dressmaking specifically in first learning the skills at Ecole Holt Couture. #couturesewing https://youtu.be/1Jx6ItLynJs

Elise Spigott Couture. Glad to see Elise's vision of couture inclusive reflecting diversity in our real world! #EliseSpigottCouture Elise Spigott Couture

Elise Spigott Couture. Glad to see Elise's vision of couture inclusive reflecting diversity in our real world! #EliseSpigottCouture Elise Spigott Couture

Very interesting read regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples to their creative content. Indigenous fashion/art/craft, creativity which is intertwined and at one with Indigenous culture(s), needs to be better understood by the fashion industry to avoid potential conflict and exploitation. #knowaboutcreativerights #culturalrespect #fashiondesign

This is an interesting project that included many (120) embroiderers around the globe, who are under-recognized for their work. #embroidery #couturesewing #couturegowns

Fast fashion needs to slow down... https://youtu.be/_vwJWw41NQw

Did you know? - That Graduates of EHC receive their final awards for attending and completing 600 hours of instruction and 1800 [2400hrs] hours of practical [projects] labwork for each of the Dressmaking and Couturier/Tailoring awards. EHC awards are printed with the graduate's name, two official signatures, an EHC embossed seal, the date of issue, and possesses a unique serial number registered with the school. ... The award costs $40 for paper and graphic work, is worth more than $60,000 and its value is priceless for the recipient. The knowledge and curriculum are not copied or borrowed from any other institution, and is original to EHC. We still create original patterns drafted by hand. That it took 16 years to develop the curriculum based on the Founder's 60 years of professional experience in couture and tailoring. These skills are as much an art as a craft, and impossible to exactly duplicate the work from one artisan to another. We continue to be committed to preserving authentic couture sewing and tailoring skills by sharing, teaching, and mentoring. And we really do connect with and love our students! EHC is developing online instruction, continuing on-campus workshops, and masterclasses in the original studio launching in the fall of 2021. Please subscribe to EHC's Youtube channel, Facebook page, and follow our blog for up-to-date information: https://www.youtube.com/user/ecoleholtcouture https://ecoleholtcouture.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ecoleholtcouture #couturesewing #tailoring #patternmaking

We have finished our first week back of classes at EHC. All masked up and all sharing disinfecting responsibilities, it has been successful. Moreover, it has been awesome to see everyone again in person! Fingers crossed, we will be able to reach our goal together! #sewinginstruction #dressmaking #couturesewing #ladiestailoring

This will come in useful for note-taking even in our type of practical hands-on learning situation. Good for taking notes on 'why' we do things a certain way, [there is always a reason] 'when' we use a method, [there is always a situation] great for quick hand-drawn diagrams, [we always use diagrams] the title block is perfect for 'what' we are doing that day, [you'll need several sheets of paper each day]... the questions or cue column perfect for reviewing later, [easy to reference later on] and the summary block at the bottom forces us to say in a few short words what we did that day. [great for the exam, we only have one exam, but it is a comprehensive one!] Thank you, professor! [Dr. Walter Pauk] #cornellmethod See more

The fashion industry needs better solutions to become environmentally and ecologically sustainable not in the future, but now. Looking for alternative solutions to toxic dye chemicals, this perhaps may be an answer! https://www.ecowatch.com//bacteria-dye-fashion-industry-26

The result! Part 8/8 Inside the studio is a summary of everything that was done along with a final photo of the bride on her wedding day! Thank you so much for following this series. Please let us know if you have any questions about this series! #sewing #alterations #weddingdressalterataions #workingwithlace #couturesewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDkYOkohtZU

‘French Bustle’ Also known as an under bustle, are attachment points are under the dress. The fabric is folded in and under to lift the skirt. An ‘American bustle’ or over-bustle is when the outside of the train is lifted and secured over the back of the gown to the wedding dress's waistline. It's a simpler bustle for a seamstress to create and easy to attach. In truth, you can design any variation imaginable to lift a long skirt temporarily - it may not even have a name! Part 7/8 Inside the Studio #sewing #alterations #weddingdressbustle #workingwithlace #couturesewing #sewing #alterations #weddingdressbustle #workingwithlace #couturesewing

Working with lace is highly creative. In couture, lace should never be seen as a straight stitched seam. The only reason straight seams are employed to join panels of lace is in mass production. Or in the case of embroidered tulle lace seams should be french seamed for strength and reduced visibility. Part 6/8 Inside the Studio #sewing #alterations #couturesewing #workingwithlace #handsewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-sZQCkPhs0

Zippers + buttons and loops! Feared by many sewers - especially zipper re-installation. Getting the right result requires know-how and experience more than optimism + bravery. Preparation is everything. Part 5/8 Inside the Studio #sewing #alterations #couturesewing #workingwithlace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYpJ3q7-O60