Design and make the Couture Gown of your
Dreams.

 
 

Made Student Designer Liza Rodriquez

 
“I’m so happy to pass on my years of couture experience to the next generation of designers & makers. Join me at the Made Atelier!”
— Rachel Ford (Founder Made Institute)

Taught by Made’s Founder, Rachel Ford

Learn from an expert in Couture Methods. Ms Ford will share knowledge from her 20 year sewing/fashion career, including her 10 years at the Opera Company of Philadelphia.

100% In-Person Instruction

We understand how intimidating a new artform can be. We break down the curriculum into hands-on, achievable lesson plans, giving you an arsenal of couture techniques to use throughout your career.

Are you ready to take your sewing skills to the next level?

4 Full Days of Couture

January 17th-20th
2025

DAY 1: DESIGN THROUGH DRAPING

  • DRESSFORM PADDING: Sculpt any body type to meet your clients’ or model’s needs

  • DESIGN: Basic sketching with a croqui, style tape, and “physics” of a bodice

  • LUNCH PROVIDED

  • DRAPING: Boned Bodice elements, princess seams, necklines, waistlines

  • PATTERN TO FIT: Trueing drape to pattern

DAY 2: FITTINGS & FABRICS

  • TOILES: Cut, sew, and fit your design.

  • PATTERN EDITS: Learn how to translate fit issues into pattern corrections

  • LUNCH PROVIDED

  • SPIRAL STEEL BONING: Learn how to place and sew couture boning into your garments

Made Student Work: Tiffany Laibhen

DAY 3: SKIRT SCULPTURE

  • DRAPING VS PATTERNMAKING: Which technique is right for your design?

  • FORM & FUNCTION: Learn what materials can achieve different dramatic effects

  • LUNCH PROVIDED

  • FULL TOILE FITTINGS: Watch your design come to life!

  • FASHION FABRIC CUTTING TECHNIQUES:

Made Student Work: Madison Koczo

Opera Costume Director Millie Hiibel and Staff

DAY 4: FINISHINGS

  • COUTURE FINISHINGS: Hems, zippers, waist stays, customizations

  • LIVE MODEL FITTINGS: Learn about fit, proportions, and alterations

OPERA PHILA DRESS REHEARSAL

All couture students receive exclusive access to the final matinee dress rehearsal of “The Anonymous Lover” on January 30, 2025.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOSHOOT

  • Designers will be invited to participate in a professional editorial photoshoot that will be featured in Made Institute’s social media

  • Work with a professional model

  • Learn how to give artistic direction to a photographer to achieve your vision

  • Receive photos to be used in your design portfolio

 

This course is a perfect fit if…

  • You’ve been sewing your own projects and are ready to level up

  • You know how to sew simple garments, but never draped a pattern

  • You’ve been looking everywhere for real couture techniques

  • You’re thinking about starting a bridal or evening wear brand

  • You’re looking for a creative community

Don’t just take our word for it…

 

Renee Hill
CEO Harx 4
Project Runway Season 17
NY Fashion Week

“Rachel has been a mentor/teacher to me for many years. She has always encouraged me with tough love and guidance throughout my journey. I've always struggled with the business aspect of the business. Rachel's expertise has allowed me to make tremendous strides in this area. Also, having the ability to hire the students/instructors that freelance helped me with many of my samples and patterns. They were able to handle the high level of craftsmanship my brand offers.

I can't say enough about this woman and what she's done for the Philadelphia Fashion Community.”


Michelle Fite
CEO Fite Fashion
Flying Solo NYC
NY Fashion Week

Without Rachel's support and encouragement I might have honestly just given up when I first moved back to the area. I had a horrible time in grad school with unqualified, mean professors… I reached out to Made years ago to try and get back on track. I left that first meeting with Rachel feeling like I could actually find my spot and some of the help that I needed. I felt like she pulled me out of a whirlpool and helped me get my bearings. That September she was generous enough to include me in the Made group for Philly Fashion Week which was my first real fashion show. I learned so much and thought that maybe I could move forward. I wasn't used to having that kind of support and it made a huge difference that I will never forget!

-YOUR INVESTMENT-

  • 4 Full days of couture instruction from Made Institute’s CEO

  • 32 hours of hands-on demonstrations

  • Lunches provided

  • Connections to Made’s fashion community

  • Professional photoshoot for your portfolio

  • Free Opera Phila Dress Rehearsal Tix

  • A couture gown of your own design

Total Cost: $1,500

Starting at $94/mo with Affirm. Prequalify now

10am-6pm in our Philadelphia Design Studio
1719 Chestnut Street 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Winter Dates 2025;
Jan 17, Jan 18, Jan 19, Jan 20

*Limit to 10 students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once enrolled, you will receive a welcome email and full supply list

 

Schedule a call to learn more.

 

Speak with Rachel Ford about your couture goals

 
 

**The Couture Intensive Course is not overseen by the PA Board of Private Licensed Schools

 

Not ready for this class?

 
 

Start with Sewing 1 or Patternmaking and start making!