Marie Archambaud

Gold thread embroiderer

©Marion Saupin

Celebrating the graceful

Marie works with the finest metal threads such as copper and gold
She questions the traditional boundaries of embroidery through her works
Several crafts come together in her practice

Through her exploration of the art of embroidery, spanning textiles and jewellery, Marie Archambaud is redefining needlework as a singular construction technique. Working mainly with metallic threads such as gold, brass and copper, she blends traditional needlework with elements of knitting and lace, creating refined textures and sculptural forms. In her work, embroidered thread is in the spotlight, building volume. Marie originally specialised in gold thread embroidery, but has expanded her skills by exploring other crafts, too. "I like to question the connection between disciplines," she explains. The design of her creations is intuitively inspired by the growth patterns of plants, their inner structure. While her early focus was on jewellery design, Marie is now seeking to expand her practice through collaborations with luxury fashion houses.

Interview

©Marion Saupin

©Marion Saupin

What inspired you towards craftsmanship and embroidery?: As a child, I was very manual. I took drawing and painting classes early on, I learnt knitting, embroidery and notably cross-stitch. My mum introduced me to all that. My grandmother was also a seamstress. At first, I thought I would turn to fashion, but I soon understood I was more interested in materials and textiles than in clothes.
Was there a defining experience that influenced the development of your work?: The master diploma I did enabled me to work with new materials. It was like a research laboratory, focusing on technique, gestures and materials. I got interested in metal working, beyond wire. I then did an internship in a jewellery workshop, and that really broadened my perspective on working with textiles and metal in combination.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: The world of plants. I find my techniques by looking at plants: how they develop at a root and at a cellular level. Taking an interest in this has allowed me to find new systems of construction for threads and inspired the creation of motifs. I am also fascinated with the living world, the human body, star and outer space.
Is there a memorable moment along your path as a craftswoman?: I was lucky enough to go to Mumbai to join an embroidery workshop, thanks to a scholarship offered by the Fondation Culture et Diversité. It was hugely enriching on every level: professional, artistic, human. The approaches there were really different. It also helped me to understand some aspects of European creation better.

Marie Archambaud is a rising star she began her career in 2022