I NVENTO RY
33. Ancient Tools and Techniques
For the first time on record, the woman who has
been charged with creating braid work used to
decorate Chanel suits since 1947 was introduced
to the public in the documentary Signe Chane/.
Madame Pouzieux creates the famous fashion
braids on a one-of-a-kind ancient loom. Working
the loom is second nature to her, but many ap
prentices have been confounded by its intrica
cies. The House of Chanel is a loyal patron of
her work, because this type of braid trim can be
found nowhere else.
This story illustrates one example of how valu
able and unique old-world techniques can be, not
to mention antique tools and machinery. New
sewing machines with built-in computers can
be programmed to do many wonderful things,
but for power and stability, nothing compares
to older industrial machines. While the ma
chines can still be found, the knowledge and skill
required to maintain them is becoming hard to
find. Many talents are also fading into obscu-
rity, because these vint age crafts are not being
passed on. Although automation affords the
designer the ability to produce faster, the process
of researching, learning, and implementing
old-fashioned methods may prove to be a useful
creative exercise.
72 Fashion Design Essentials
