About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Ever wondered what it’s like to transform bold ideas into breathtaking couture? As a Master Cutter, Master Tailor, and Haute Couture Draper, you’ll become the architect behind one-of-a-kind gowns, translating a designer’s vision into pieces that truly stun. Working at the heart of high fashion, your artistry and technical expertise will turn sketches into flawless, wearable works of art—each telling its own story on the runway or the red carpet.
About the Company
Tucked away in an airy Paris atelier, we’re a tightly knit collective devoted to the tradition (and future) of couture. Our team is a blend of seasoned artisans and rising stars, all united by a deep respect for craftsmanship and the thrill of creating what’s never been done before. Here, respect runs both ways—our designers value input from the workroom, and our seamstresses are proud to pass on age-old techniques. Plus, just between us: Friday afternoons mean espresso, critiques, and the in-house cat making her rounds.
We are at an exciting point in our journey, combining decades-old savoir-faire with a forward-looking approach to design.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Draping directly on the mannequin to shape and sculpt luxury fabrics into truly custom silhouettes.
- Interpreting and finessing designer sketches, ensuring their vision translates seamlessly into three-dimensional form.
- Master pattern making—balancing precision with creativity for intricate, complex pieces.
- Cutting and preparing luxury textiles (think silk, tulle, organza, and lace) with exceptional accuracy.
- Executing hand-finishing techniques: delicate hemming, invisible seams, unique embellishments—right down to the last tiny bead.
- Collaborating with the design and sewing teams, troubleshooting construction challenges together.
- Maintaining discipline and organization throughout every stage, keeping each project on schedule and up to uncompromising standards.
- Sharing your skills with junior team members, whether it’s a quick tip or a full technique demo.
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- At least 10 years of verifiable experience in Haute Couture—the kind you can see (and feel) in a finished garment.
- Mastery of draping, pattern making, and hand-finishing.
- A keen eye and tactile sense, with a deep knowledge of luxury materials: silk, tulle, organza, lace, and more.
- Confidence interpreting and elevating designer sketches.
- Extreme attention to detail, discipline, and pride in your process.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience mentoring or training in a couture setting.
- Multilingual communication—our atelier is as international as our clientele.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Close-knit, collaborative atelier environment—where every piece, and person, truly matters
- Time and tools to create at the highest level (no cutting corners—literally!)
- Flexible studio hours and generous vacation time
- Ongoing training and masterclasses taught by industry legends
- Annual team celebrations, from gallery openings to behind-the-scenes fashion events
- Creative freedom: your artistry is valued, not just your output
This is an opportunity to make your mark at the heart of couture—where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand, and every garment is a masterpiece with your name stitched inside.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you walk us through your process for draping a complex silhouette directly on the mannequin, especially when working with challenging fabrics like organza or lace?
- How do you usually approach interpreting a designer’s sketch when the vision is ambitious or the technical path isn’t immediately clear?
- What techniques have you developed or refined for achieving flawless invisible seams or delicate hand-finishing on luxury materials?
- Tell us about a time you encountered unexpected construction challenges—how did you collaborate with the design or sewing team to resolve them?
- How do you balance the need for creative spontaneity with the high standards of discipline and organization required in couture projects?
- Describe your experience mentoring junior team members in the atelier. Are there particular teaching moments or techniques you’re proud to have passed on?
- When working under tight deadlines, how do you ensure each stage of your pattern making and preparation meets the uncompromising quality expected?
- What’s your process for selecting, handling, and preparing luxury textiles to prevent damage and maximize their beauty in the finished piece?
- How do you handle receiving feedback during critiques, particularly when suggestions mean rethinking a technique or starting anew?
- How do you maintain your attention to detail and motivation throughout the longer couture project cycles?
- What role does a collaborative work environment play in your satisfaction and performance as a master artisan?
- How do you stay current with both traditional and emerging couture techniques, and are there any recent workshops or masterclasses that have inspired your work?
- What excites you most about working in an atelier that deeply values both tradition and innovative artistry?
- Can you share a memorable moment when your individual contribution made a meaningful impact on a runway piece or collection?