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About Emily Magli
Discovering The Art Of Couture
I have been sewing for over twenty years and have made every conceivable mistake in constructing a garment. However, as a friend of mine once said, “failure is knowledge.” I started feeling success with my work when I went back to the basics – sewing by hand. Learning haute couture techniques changed my perspective and elevated the garments I made. It was liberating to discover that I no longer had to rely only on my machine to achieve desired results.
I now know it takes time, patience, and skill to create something beautiful.
"Every stitch tells a story, weaving together passion, skill, and creativity into a masterpiece of couture craftsmanship."
Emily Magli
Practicing the Art of Couture
I enjoy sewing bias-cut garments (especially in silk) and have long admired the couturière, Madeliene Vionnet, who some consider the master of the bias. Draping and cutting on the bias is a way to break free from typical pattern design constraints. It provides a more flattering fit and freedom of movement for the wearer.
By studying and replicating Vionnet’s work and work by other masters such as Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Cristobal Balenciaga, I have come to understand the relationship of fabric, gravity, movement, space and form. A garment can be more than just a static covering for a particular body part shaped only by darts and seam lines. A garment can be dynamic and even extend away from the body with added fullness and geometric shapes.
Sharing the Art of Couture
My intent in recreating and sharing other designer’s works is to document and gain a better understanding of their methods, from the unique ways a garment was cut to the fine finishing details.
We learn best by doing and the knowledge gained enriches the experience. In practice and in teaching, I want to challenge myself and others to think about cloth and pattern design in a new way.
I look forward to using this platform to share this art experience with you.
A Journey in Sewing Excellence
From self-taught seamstress to pursing mastery in couture construction.
- Teacher at Textile Fabrics, Nashville, TN
- Owner of Emily Magli Clothing, custom clothing, lingerie and loungewear
- Tailor and pattern-making assistant, Nashville, TN
- Member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP)
- Professional continuing education
- Contributer to Threads Magazine, "Grainlines in Concert", Summer 2021
- ASDP conference instructor
- Cristobol Balenciaga Museum: Haute Couture Tailoring and Haute Couture Fantasy Techniques
- Couture Construction with Susan Khalje
- Couture and Tailoring with Alison Smith
- Draping with Elena Ryleeva, EWST Fashionlab
- Clothing Construction and Flat Pattern Design, O’more College, Franklin, TN
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