Balenciaga Gives Six Young Creatives Access to Four Atelier Workshops in France

more than an introduction to technical processes. They provided access to a working culture of precision, experimentation and construction. Participants were encouraged to develop their own ideas while learning the practical skills needed to turn a concept into a garment.

Pattern-making was one of the central elements of the programme. This process involves creating the templates that determine how a garment is cut and assembled. It is an essential part of fashion design because it transforms a two dimensional sketch into a wearable three dimensional object.

Fabric cutting followed, giving participants insight into how materials are prepared for construction. This stage requires careful attention to direction, grain, texture and placement. A small change in the way a fabric is cut can affect how a finished garment drapes, moves and fits on the body.

The programme also introduced participants to prototyping and draping. Prototyping gives designers a way to test ideas before making a final piece, while draping involves shaping fabric directly on a mannequin…