The French Couture Jacket

This journal series documents the process of learning French couture jacket construction — from fabric sourcing and preparation to hand stitching, structure, and slow assembly through traditional methods.

During an eight-day course in Arona, Italy — near Lake Como — I learned traditional couture construction methods rooted in French tailoring. Working primarily by hand, the process focused on structure, patience, and precision, with techniques passed down through generations of makers.

THE ARTICLE SERIES

Learning the French Couture Jacket Technique
An introduction to the eight-day workshop experience and the mindset behind traditional couture construction.
Inside a French Couture Jacket Workshop in Italy
The learning environment, teaching approach, and the value of small-group instruction focused on repetition and precision.
Constructing a French Couture Jacket by Hand
Hand-stitching techniques, construction methods, and the slow assembly of a couture jacket over eight days.

Learning French couture jacket construction in Italy was an intensive study in precision, structure, and traditional tailoring techniques. These articles document the workshop experience—from the teaching environment and hands-on instruction to the hand-stitching methods and construction details that define couture jacket making.

The techniques learned continue to inform how I approach tailoring, garment structure, and the value of mastering foundational craft skills. Together, these entries form a considered record of learning — shaped by time, repetition, and attention.

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THE FRENCH COUTURE JACKET

THE ARTICLE SERIES

Learning the French Couture Jacket Technique

Inside a French Couture Jacket Workshop in Italy

Constructing a French Couture Jacket by Hand