Hubert Barrère, art director of Maison Lesage, presents a lecture in conjunction with the exhibition Louvre Couture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Centering on Maison Lesage, the talk illuminates the French embroidery company's history and activities in fashion, decorative arts, and heritage, as well as the embroidery work featured in the pieces on display.

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 the company 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 the art form, from the earliest days of modern fashion to this year’s runway collections.

Co-presented by the MFAH and Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Art and Culture under the French Embassy, with the generous support of Maison Lesage, resident of 19M.

About the Speaker
Hubert Barrère is an artist, fashion designer, corset maker, and the artistic director of Lesage Haute Couture embroidery. He has collaborated with luxury houses including Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy. His world is caught between art, fashion, and contemporary creation, and highlights the intelligence of the gesture and the emotion of craftsmanship.