Parisian Couture

A Personal Ode to Hand Embroidery and Fashion Mastery

For some, Paris is synonymous with romance, while for others, it’s all about indulging in fancy restaurants and sipping coffee in charming cafes, or perhaps immersing oneself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, including museums, architecture, and poetry. However, for me, Paris is defined by the pinnacle of couture, with a particular emphasis on exquisite hand embroidery.

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris has not only hosted unforgettable shows but has also given rise to iconic brands that serve as a wellspring of inspiration for us as artisans. These brands, such as Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, and Hermes, go beyond being mere shopping destinations; they are pure sources of inspiration that allow us to observe and marvel at truly unique creations.

To me, these fashion houses represent more than just logos; they are reservoirs of inspiration and admiration for the vision and craftsmanship of their creators. In my perspective, an atelier with a rich doesn’t require a logo for recognition. Each of these esteemed brands has provided us with distinct visual symbols — be it a flower or a signature embroidery technique — that embody their identity just as effectively as a logo does. In my work, I have meticulously gathered and given a personal craft interpretation to these symbols, creating a synthesis of inspiration and innovation.

Celebration of Sequins

The diverse techniques of sequin hand embroidery serve as a distinctive hallmark of this work. My objective was to showcase a range of methods in sequin embroidery, capturing the authentic essence of French embroidery and couture. Drawing inspiration from Chanel’s creations, I focused on employing a single primary color, presented in various tints and shades, to evoke elegance and sophistication.

Parisian Couture Details - hand embroidery, sequins embroidery - by Ksenia Semirova
Parisian Couture Details - hand embroidery, sequins embroidery - by Ksenia Semirova
Parisian Couture Details - hand embroidery, sequins embroidery - by Ksenia Semirova
Parisian Couture Details - hand embroidery, sequins embroidery - by Ksenia Semirova
Parisian Couture Details - hand embroidery, sequins embroidery - by Ksenia Semirova

Contemporary

The primary focal point of the work is a bow, inspired by the iconic Dior symbol. It was crafted using the colors of the French flag, employing a combination of techniques such as trapunto and goldwork. However, I exclusively utilized the goldwork embroidery method, abstaining from the use of metallic threads.

Parisian Couture - contemporary goldwork hand embroidery wall panel - Details - Yves Saint Laurent Dove
Parisian Couture - contemporary goldwork hand embroidery wall panel - Details - Lanvin Rose
Parisian Couture - contemporary goldwork hand embroidery wall panel - Details - Chanel - camellias

Visual Symbols

One of the key features of this work is the combination of various visual symbols representing iconic French brands: the dove for Yves Saint Laurent, the rose for Lanvin, the camellias for Chanel, and the bow for Dior.

The majority of the work (excluding the bow) was created using only the Luneville embroidery method, preserving the authentic essence of French craftsmanship.

Parisian Couture, 42x60cm wall panel

Exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation, this artwork delves into the symbolic realm of Parisian couture. Through meticulous hand embroidery techniques, it reinterprets iconic visual symbols from esteemed fashion houses, transcending mere logos to evoke a profound sense of craftsmanship and artistic narrative.

© 2025 Ksenia Semirova. Hand Embroidery Artist