Goldwork and Haute Couture Embroidery with Maria Francesca
Discover the artistry of haute couture embroidery with Maria Francesca in Monza, a charming city known for its textile history, just 20 minutes from Milan. Learn gold thread embroidery techniques to achieve sculptural effects adorned with sequins and beads for exquisite creations. Outside the studio, explore the architectural intricacies of the historic center, share an aperitif on the banks of the Lambro River, or take a train to Lake Como, just an hour away.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1410
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $360
Meet the Artist
Maria Francesca is an embroiderer and textile artist celebrated for her innovative approach. While studying costume design, her fascination with ancient goldwork and lace-making techniques from the 16th and 17th centuries drove her to preserve and reinterpret these nearly lost arts. Trained by master Italian embroiderer Pino Grasso and the Royal School of Needlework, she worked in goldwork restoration for religious haute couture ateliers before launching her studio.
Maria Francesca's work is distinguished by her mastery of goldwork embroidery, a rare method involving 24-karat gold threads. She specializes in haute couture embroidery and combines traditional needle and crochet techniques with contemporary designs, crafting luxurious yet accessible hair combs, headbands, and accessories. Her nature-inspired creations poetically blend historical reverence and modern artistry, elevating embroidery to a form of art that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. Romantic and ethereal, she sees her practice as an archaeology of thread, a modern interpretation of an ancient craft at risk of disappearing.
She's committed to sharing near-forgotten techniques, seeing their preservation and survival as vital to our collective identity. She can't wait to share her joy with you!
Maria Francesca's work is distinguished by her mastery of goldwork embroidery, a rare method involving 24-karat gold threads. She specializes in haute couture embroidery and combines traditional needle and crochet techniques with contemporary designs, crafting luxurious yet accessible hair combs, headbands, and accessories. Her nature-inspired creations poetically blend historical reverence and modern artistry, elevating embroidery to a form of art that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. Romantic and ethereal, she sees her practice as an archaeology of thread, a modern interpretation of an ancient craft at risk of disappearing.
She's committed to sharing near-forgotten techniques, seeing their preservation and survival as vital to our collective identity. She can't wait to share her joy with you!
VAWAA Includes:
- Explore haute couture embroidery techniques as an artistic medium with various applications in applied art and product design.
- Design embroidery patterns, transfer them onto fabric, and practice the mounting and dismounting process on a professional embroidery frame.
- Embroider with 24kt gold, silver threads, and pearls, utilizing a variety of techniques.
- Create a sculptural 3D effect for embroidery using felt padding.
- Apply sequins, beads, and crystals using needlework and Lunéville Crochet techniques.
- Basic embroidery materials and tools are included. Specialty goldwork embroidery materials, beads, sequins, and textiles can be purchased for an additional fee.
- Gain inspiration from a nature walk in the park of the royal villa of Monza, Europe's largest enclosed park, accompanied by squirrels and coffee.
- Explore Monza's historic center, examining its architectural intricacies, and, time permitting, visit the Museum of the Duomo, housing historic artworks, textiles, and embroideries.
- Indulge in an aperitivo or savor a typical Italian dinner in the heart of Monza alongside Maria Francesca.
Explore Monza, Milan
Just 20 minutes from Milan, Monza is a northern Italian city influenced by two opposing forces: the tradition of heritage craftsmanship and the forward-looking, fashionable design world. The region surrounding Monza boasts a historic connection to the textile industry, particularly silk, and remains Europe's most prestigious center for silk production. As a vibrant site for haute couture embroidery, Monza showcases local artisans' work on the dresses of Italy's most iconic brands. Other popular crafts include handmade bobbin lacemaking, woodworking, and millinery.
The city's historic architecture is as exquisitely ornamented as its textiles, with the gothic-style Duomo striking a graphic contrast against the Lombardian sky. After wandering Monza's charming streets, don't miss the Monza Park surrounding the neoclassical Villa Reale, Europe's largest walled park. Whether you're a textile buff, a design lover, or a foodie indulging in the local cuisine, Monza offers something for everyone.
The city's historic architecture is as exquisitely ornamented as its textiles, with the gothic-style Duomo striking a graphic contrast against the Lombardian sky. After wandering Monza's charming streets, don't miss the Monza Park surrounding the neoclassical Villa Reale, Europe's largest walled park. Whether you're a textile buff, a design lover, or a foodie indulging in the local cuisine, Monza offers something for everyone.
Additional Details
The best times to visit Monza are spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). While summers can be hot, Maria Francesca’s studio offers air conditioning. Mid-August, Easter, and Christmas holidays see quieter days with many local businesses closed. However, the first or second weekend of September brings the excitement of an F1 race at the Monza park circuit, attracting crowds.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children accompanied by a guardian are welcome to participate. Maria Francesca suggests a minimum age of 9 years. The studio is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator and barrier-free parking.
Maria Francesca speaks Italian and English.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children accompanied by a guardian are welcome to participate. Maria Francesca suggests a minimum age of 9 years. The studio is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator and barrier-free parking.
Maria Francesca speaks Italian and English.
Guest Reviews
Emily M., United States
My internship with Maria Francesca was a deeply enriching experience that I believe anyone—regardless of skill level—would find both inspiring and rewarding. As a beginner in goldwork embroidery and a lover of history, I was immediately drawn to Maria Francesca's deep knowledge of the craft’s historical context. Her passion for preserving the rich tradition of goldwork added a dimension I hadn’t e Read more
