Sylvie Deschamps

Bégonia D'or

Gold thread embroiderer

A real passion for a rare craft

Sylvie's workshop is the last in France dedicated to gold thread embroidery
Her work includes haute couture, military dress and restorations
She has worked with watchmakers, artists and designers

Sylvie Deschamps grew up in Rochefort, France, a town chosen as a garrison and place of refuge for the French navy under King Louis XIV in 1665. This naval infrastructure sparked numerous industries, including gold thread embroidery for military uniforms. It was while visiting the military museum with her school that Sylvie first saw this work and decided it was what she wanted to do. Her subsequent studies in Rochefort, the only place in France to offer training in gold thread embroidery, confirmed her passion for this craft. Many years down the line, Sylvie continues this rich tradition, working on both traditional pieces and creative items that bring this ancient craft into the 21st century.

Interview

What are your principal sources of inspiration?: I would be tempted to tell you “everything”. My daughters laugh at me because I am quite capable of walking about and suddenly seeing a manhole that I think is incredible. I stop and take a photo and my daughters say: "Here you go again Mum, always thinking of embroidery." So I am very curious.
How do tradition and innovation interact in your work?: I would say that we are not limited in terms of techniques, which are really varied. So it’s possible to be really innovative, to take the raw material and create something else. The applications of this craft are so numerous that we can really say there are no limits.
What do you love most about what you do?: I know that the day I decide to stop doing this, there will still be things that I haven’t explored, there will still be techniques or new materials that I haven’t tested. So I’m lucky that I will never be bored. That’s what makes this job a real passion for me.
Can you pick out a memorable moment in your professional career?: If I have to choose just one moment it would be the unique piece that I made for Cartier with my friend Philippe Nicolas, which was eventually exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris. It was a piece all in knotted gold, a 15th century technique, which depicted the virgin and the child.

Sylvie Deschamps is a master artisan: she began her career in 1989 and she started teaching in 1995