Lecture by Hubert Barrère, Art Director of Maison Lesage, the venerable French embroidery company. Discussion follows with Matilda McQuaid, Deputy Curatorial Director and Head of Textiles.

For nearly a century, Maison Lesage has created extraordinary embroidered designs for Elsa Schiaparelli, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, and many other revered designers. In 2002, Chanel acquired Maison Lesage to ensure that the treasured tradition of French hand embroidery would continue into the 21st century. Barrère discusses Maison Lesage’s heritage as purveyors of fine hand embroidery, from the earliest days of modern fashion to this year’s runway collections.