6 Fashion Houses that Use Embroidery
- Aug 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 24, 2025
Embroidery is a timeless art form elegantly redefining the creations of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world. There are a few illustrious houses of fashion that know how to blend traditional techniques with modern designs, turning simple garments into luxurious masterpieces. Here, we will learn about 6 such fashion houses which show us the art of embroidery in a new light every time their collection makes a round of the ramp!
Maison Schiaparelli
Founded in 1927 by Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Maison Schiaparelli quickly became a leader in haute couture and avant-garde fashion. Initially based in Italy, Schiaparelli moved to Paris, where by 1932, her innovative approach had won international acclaim. Known for merging art with high fashion, she collaborated with icons like Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, introducing revolutionary designs like the lobster dress and making the bold use of shocking pink a fashion statement. These contributions set her brand apart as a symbol of bold, artistic couture.
After her retirement, the brand experienced a dormant period until its recent revival by designers such as Marco Zanini and Bertrand Guyon, who helped reignite its creative spark.
In 2019, American designer Daniel Roseberry took over as the creative director, injecting modern vitality while honoring the rich heritage. Under Roseberry, embroidery has taken on imaginative forms, featuring everything from surreal trompe l'oeil effects to intricate celestial motifs, transforming each piece into a wearable work of art. One of the most acclaimed showcases of the brand was the Fall 2021 Haute Couture, exemplifying Schiaparelli’s artistic vision.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur who established her eponymous brand, Tory Burch LLC, in 2004. Launching with a boutique in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood, the brand made an immediate impact, selling out its signature Reva ballet flats on the first day. Known for a classic yet bohemian style, Tory Burch quickly became synonymous with a preppy-boho chic that blends classic American style with an eclectic sensibility, featuring a bold use of color and prints.
As the primary visionary and designer behind the brand, Tory Burch herself has guided the aesthetic and expansion of her company into a global lifestyle empire encompassing ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, and a beauty line. She continues her role as Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, focusing on accessibility and empowering women through fashion.
The Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection featured floral and geometric embroideries inspired by the American Southwest. Celebrated for its refined use of texture and color, this collection stood out for its craftsmanship and detailed embroidery, marking it as one of the most memorable showcases.
Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan is an Indian-American fashion designer known for his detailed gowns. He started his label in 2003 in New York City. After training in India and working with the famous designer Halston, Khan developed a precise and careful approach to design.
As the principal designer, Khan has steered the aesthetic and artistic direction from its inception, remaining deeply involved in every aspect of the design process. His collections are known for their prominent use of embroidery, often featuring thousands of hand-sewn beads, sequins, and crystals, creating textural, luxurious garments that make bold statements.
Among his most celebrated works is the Spring 2013 collection, which featured exquisite bridal wear adorned with delicate hand-embroidered flowers and crystalline embellishments, which amplified his reputation as a master of modern luxury bridal and evening wear.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen was a trailblazing British fashion designer celebrated for his provocative designs and exceptional tailoring. He launched his eponymous brand in London in 1992, quickly establishing a reputation for innovative, avant-garde fashion that combined couture-level craftsmanship with daring themes.
The key designers of the brand have been pivotal in shaping its direction. Alexander McQueen, the founder, was known for his groundbreaking designs and deep emotional impact. After his passing in 2010, Sarah Burton took over as creative director. Having worked closely with McQueen for over a decade, Burton continues his legacy with a focus on femininity and meticulous attention to detail.
Sarah Burton’s direction on embroidery at Alexander McQueen transcends mere decoration to become a central element of design. The brand employs complex, handcrafted techniques that intertwine historical motifs with cutting-edge ideas, often weaving a narrative into the fabric of each garment.
Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-American designer renowned for his elegantly feminine gowns and classic glamor. Born in the Dominican Republic, he established a house of fashion in New York City in 1965. Oscar de la Renta gained international acclaim for his luxuriously vibrant designs that captivated a sophisticated clientele, including celebrities and royalty. His skillful blend of vivid colors, intricate prints, and flawless tailoring redefined modern femininity in fashion.
Oscar de la Renta himself crafted the luxurious and colorful aesthetic of this brand. After his passing, Peter Copping briefly took over, respecting the heritage with a delicate approach. Since 2016, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, both former apprentices under de la Renta, have served as co-creative directors, infusing classic elegance with modern interpretations.
Embroidery is a defining feature of Oscar de la Renta’s collections. The house employs various embroidery techniques, using silk threads, beads, and sequins to weave intricate floral and geometric patterns into its evening gowns and bridal wear.
The Spring 2018 collection is one of the most acclaimed, beautifully combining Oscar de la Renta’s classic elegance with the fresh perspective of Kim and Garcia. It featured outstanding embroidery that highlighted the refined style of the brand and expertise in decorative arts.
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, renowned Dutch designers known for their artistic and avant-garde fashion creations, established Viktor & Rolf in 1993 in Amsterdam after graduating from the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design. The brand quickly became celebrated for its conceptual designs and theatrical fashion shows that merge art with haute couture.
As the founders and ongoing sole designers, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren continue to shape the direction of the luxury brand, consistently pushing the boundaries of fashion with their creative and thought-provoking designs. This was recently revealed in their Spring 2023 Couture Collection. Although it received mixed reviews, the collection showcased ethereal dresses and dramatic ballgowns presented in a unique fashion, appearing upside down and inside out. This collection was a standout for its artistic expression and technical prowess, marking a significant milestone in the illustrious career of Viktor & Rolf.
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