Draping the Madame Grés Gown

This is the third in a series of classes leading students through the couture draping process for each of the iconic designs in the new Dutch book, Draping, The Art and Craftsmanship of Fashion Design. The first class focused on the Madeleine Vionnet dress, the second on the Dior Jacket and this one will focus on the Madmame Grés grecian gown. This class will be extra special since it will also include instruction and samples of the famous Grés draping construction techniques, the result of a seminar in Paris over a year ago with one of the last drapers to work with Madame Grés before her house closed. The book features master drapers recreating in beautiful detail exactly how the most famous designs were done and is on sale in our bookstore.

This is a two day, 16 hour class using half scale forms, which are provided. Registrants will be sent an information sheet with instructions, supplies, directions -- all the details 3 weeks before the class. The registration fee includes the cost of the draping fabric. 15 seats total available. 

Skill level:  The assumption is that very few people will be experienced drapers so the instruction in that regard is very detailed in a step by step process and there is a lot of interaction with the teacher.  However, these draping classes are not for those who have not learned to sew yet and have had very little or no experience in using a pattern or handling fabric. Please give us a call if you have questions about your level of experience.

We will be draping the gown above.  Madame grés perfected the pleating and draping technique shown in the detailed photos below.