High fashion home sewing?
Header image: The Yellow Rose, Time, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter, 2024, Robert Wun
This month we've decided that our goal for the year is to let our creativity go wild with our new patterns and workshops. We're going to be pushing the limits of what the Modern Sewing Co. can be and I can't wait to share what we've been coming up with throughout the next year.
We recently shared on our Instagram what my journey has been since 2016 (2026 is the new 2016 apparently), and it was so lovely to see so many of you connect with why I went from the commercial fashion industry to home-sewing. I felt disillusioned with what was taking up most of my time and wanted to re-centre designing and creativity in my career.
Hanni and myself chatting through additions to the Darcy Trench Coat using 3D modelling!
I thought this is a great time to properly introduce our pattern cutter Hanni, who joined the team at the end of last year. Hanni previously worked in high-end fashion studios across the world, and it's so exciting to see her applying her experience to home-sewing! She's so talented and has already helped us elevate our designs and how we can include more advanced skills in our makes.
Most recently, Hanni's been supporting me in designing our flagship 2026 Capsule Course, which is starting in just over 2 weeks (you can still enrol for a spot before it's too late!). The course includes reimaginations of our community favourite designs like a denim jacket Over Shirt and a trench Darcy Coat.
Sketches from our 2026 Capsule Course
We're currently drafting up the patterns for a brand new range of dresses and skirts! I can't share too much at this stage, but I'm loving the challenge to expand our workwear vibe to also include more feminine options.
The process involves Hanni and I sharing ideas and concepts that Hanni then actualises with a toile that we then work on and refine with fittings and pattern adjustments. The editing process is weirdly the most creative part of designing, as we really lock into the details and carefully consider how we can make a garment both special and accessible to sew for a range of experience-levels for a range of bodies, whilst also fitting our brand ethos.
The first toile for our new dress pattern that will be launched later this year
We've also been getting inspired with exhibitions in London. Vidya recently went to the Barbican's exhibition, 'Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion.' The conversations included fashion and sustainability, how decay is used in creation and how dirtiness is subverted by high fashion designers to become beautiful.
Something we have taken away from the exhibition is the importance of sustainability and the impact of fast fashion waste on the world, especially the global south. It was also so refreshing to take a step back and consider what is the polar opposite to Modern Sewing Co.? And how could that be flipped to expand our range? How could we make a super feminine dress for example look like a Modern Sewing Co. pattern?
The Wine Stain Gown, Fear, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2023, Robert Wun
I went to the 'Marie Antoinette Style' exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, which was one of the most stunning fashion exhibitions I've ever been to. The level of extravagance and craftsmanship was just beyond comprehension. I still can't get over how tiny the corset was for this gorgeous wedding dress.
It made fashion something so distant to what we engage with on a day to day basis. It was kind of a reboot to my design brain before going back to the studio, since these insane dresses prioritised opulence and shock-factor and definitely did not care for comfort.
This brocaded silk, silver and diamond wedding gown was worn by Hedwig Elisabeth Charlotte of Holstein-Gottorp, and is the closest existing comparison to Marie's original wedding dress. I was struck by how the tiny waist was - estimated 23 inches!
What I think is so important about all of our designs and why they resonate with so many sewists is that we create with function first, and trends last. That is why simplicity shines and we take the time to make sure your garments are sewn to last everyday wear.
This year, we're challenging ourselves to continue this design ethos but not at the expense of being playful and experimental with fashion. It's a balancing game that I'm very looking forward to playing out.
It's so exciting to launch the exclusive new pattern additions that have come from my collaboration with Hanni in our upcoming 2026 Capsule Course and hope you enjoy how we've brought in a high fashion approach into home sewing!
Hetty x
Our Celia dress that doesn't forget function in fashion!
You have until Saturday 31st January to enrol!
Capsule Course 2026
