At Arachné, the meticulous blend of artistry, precision, and sustainable practices forms the foundation of the brand’s identity, ensuring that each garment is not just visually stunning but also thoughtfully constructed to endure. Every creation is the result of an intricate, handcrafted process that begins with an artistic vision and is brought to life through careful technical execution. From the first brushstroke in the design phase to the final stitch in the atelier, each step is carried out with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
At Arachné, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. Every phase of creation and production is a meticulous process, carried out by hand to ensure that each piece reflects the brand’s dedication to excellence.
From the initial concept to the final product, Arachné’s designs are the result of a harmonious blend of artistic vision and technical expertise, with each member of the team contributing their unique skills to bring the garments to life.
The design of Arachné’s signature patterns begins with an artistic exploration of themes inspired by nature, such as flowers, animals, and ornamental details. Emmanuel Muraille, the creative force behind the brand, uses oil paints to craft bold and vibrant designs. Collaborating artists bring their own techniques and mediums to the process: Mado Berthet prefers watercolors, inks, and colored pencils, Rosa Lombardo focuses exclusively on watercolors, and Colombe Lange specializes in drawing. This diverse range of styles ensures that Arachné’s patterns are wide-ranging and personal, each with its own distinct character.
The patterns fall into two main categories: repeat patterns and placed patterns. Repeat patterns are created by translating a motif across the fabric, while placed patterns are full-scale artistic compositions designed to make a unique statement on each garment.
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Designing the Garments: The Intersection of Fashion and Art
Every garment created at Arachné is the result of Emmanuel Muraille’s deep knowledge of fashion and his ability to blend artistic expression with current trends. His design process goes beyond sketching—it involves selecting the perfect fabrics and accessories to complement each creation.
Muraille's fashion sketches, often inspired by his extensive knowledge of historical styles, reflect a mastery of both form and function, ensuring that every piece is as practical as it is beautiful.
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Choosing the Fabrics: A Sustainable Approach
Arachné collaborates with eco-conscious fabric suppliers across Europe, prioritizing companies that minimize their carbon footprint and use natural, sustainable materials. Since each fabric reacts differently to the printing inks, the team carefully selects the most suitable materials through extensive sampling.
After thorough consultation, the final fabrics are chosen, ensuring that every print looks as vibrant and luxurious as it was envisioned.
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Pattern Making: The Precision of Technical Drawing
Transforming a two-dimensional design into a three-dimensional garment is an intricate art form. This is where Arachné’s technical expertise shines. Emmanuel Muraille, with his background in technical drawing, brings precision to the pattern-making process.
Working closely with Christina Terezaki, a master of haute couture and model-making trained in Rome and Milan, the team ensures that every cut is flawless. Christina, with her experience at prestigious fashion houses, regularly coaches the Arachné team, passing on her wealth of knowledge and expertise.
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Prototyping: Perfecting the Design
Once a pattern is complete, a prototype is crafted in toile (a test fabric). The prototype undergoes a first fitting on Arachné’s in-house fit model, Inna, where adjustments are made to refine the garment’s fit and silhouette.
After several rounds of corrections, the final version is produced using the chosen fabrics and accessories. The final fitting ensures that the garment meets Arachné’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
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Grading: Creating for Every Size
At Arachné, all patterns are hand-drawn, with digital tools used only for printing placed patterns. The base pattern is then carefully graded to create all sizes, typically ranging from EUR 36 to 46. This manual process ensures that every size maintains the integrity of the original design.
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Production: Handcrafted Excellence
Once the patterns are finalized, the fabrics are cut and assembled by hand in Arachné’s atelier. The atelier is equipped with the finest tools and machines to ensure perfect finishes on every garment. Each piece undergoes a meticulous quality control process before it is ready to be placed in the boutique, guaranteeing that only the highest-quality garments bear the Arachné label.