Caterina Cremonesi

Embroiderer

©Caterina Cremonesi

Floral silk touches

Caterina is an embroidery artist specialised in silk ribbon
She likes to observe flowers and reproduce them realistically
Uniqueness and attention to detail are the cornerstones of her approach

The first time Caterina Cremonesi came across haute couture embroidery, she had just completed her studies in fashion at the university in Rome. She knew almost nothing about this craft. When she heard about an internship in an important embroidery atelier working for clients such as Gucci, Valentino and other fashion brands, she applied for it. There, she worked two years, learning many skills and falling in love with embroidery, which she explored further by taking advanced courses. One, in particular, was key to Caterina’s journey. Run by textile artist Katerina Kouzmina, this course taught her the silk ribbon technique, which from then on became her speciality. Today, Caterina divides her time between her own creations, made with this ancient technique, and couture embroidery for fashion designers.

Interview

©Caterina Cremonesi

©Caterina Cremonesi

Could you describe the silk ribbon technique?: Silk ribbon embroidery dates back to the 1700s and consists of reproducing flowers and floral motifs with precious, hand-dyed silk ribbons. Pearls, beads and crystals can be added to decorate and embellish the piece.
Where does your inspiration come from?: Directly from nature. I love flowers and I like to study and reproduce them as realistically as possible. Roses, daisies and wisteria are my favourite and they are perfect for haute couture as well as bridal accessories. Paintings, too, are a good source of inspiration.
What is modern about embroidery?: Embroidery is not just cross-stitching. On the contrary, it is a very versatile art, that can achieve infinite results. This means being able to play with contemporary materials, experiment with 3D embroidery, do virtually whatever you want to express your creativity.
What does well made mean to you?: First, standing out from the ordinary. A well made creation is one you can distinguish from all the others. Then, attention to detail: choosing the best materials is key to me. Silk is much more expensive than satin, but you can definitely tell the difference in the finished piece.

Caterina Cremonesi is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2019