Presentation of my internship experience since I'm in Paris.
Nell Corbaz Paris 75 - 05/07 2026
Sweat dreams Knit set Woman
Introduction
As part of my fashion design studies, I completed a two-month internship with the brand Corbaz. This enriching experience allowed me to deepen my skills in design, pattern making, and garment construction.First, you will discover the knitwear set "Sweet Dreams," which I designed and was featured in a photo shoot. Next, I will present the work done on a collection in which I fully participated, taking on various roles ranging from garment construction to creating hand-made and machine-crafted accessories. To align perfectly with my training, Nell placed her trust in me by assigning tasks as an assistant fashion designer, as well as managing organisational follow-ups. This experience has truly helped me grow and confirmed my passion for this field.
Intention & design
At first, Nell guided me through creating the assembly process for the sets. To diversify styles and cater to different tastes, we worked with three distinct fabric patterns. The idea behind these "Sweet Dreams" sets is to offer comfortable garments while remaining true to the brand's DNA. We also decided to complement the line with matching accessories, including bracelets and sleep masks, using easy-to-wear neutral colors and a fabric that is exceptionally soft to the touch
Sewing part
For the assembly, we opted for French seams topstitched on the right side. This set offers a full, cohesive look: a tank top-style upper with a bust panel, a pair of shorts with a waistband, and socks attached to straps reminiscent of garter belts. The buttons were hand-sewn, and the buttonholes were crafted by Mireille Boutonnières. The stitching features a combination of straight and zigzag stitches.
Marketing & Online Sales
Photographer Pierre Gauquelin agreed to collaborate with the brand, alongside two models, Becky and Élodie, who wore and highlighted the creations. The goal of these sets is to support the brand commercially, but above all, to bring it to life through strong imagery. We organized a photoshoot and created several Instagram Reels to promote the collection.
Order for loyal customer of the brand
Introduction
During this internship, I collaborated with Nell on a custom piece from her personal collection, commissioned by an American client who deeply admires her work. Together, we recreated this dress tailored to the client's specific measurements. Inspired by 18th-century fashion, the design features an integrated waistcoat, with intricate detailing that perfectly embodies Nell's and her brand's DNA. This project was the result of seamless teamwork and meticulous organization, ensuring the client received a bespoke, handcrafted creation made in France.
The process
Above, you can see the step-by-step creation of this dress in chronological order. We began with the pattern-making process, using a size EU 54 bodice base, which we then modified and tailored to the client's specific measurements to adapt the original pattern. This was followed by cutting the fabric. Nell and I assembled the garment together, and I also took charge of the intricate details and hand-finishing work. The final dress had to be entirely faithful to the original size 38 design from Nell’s personal collection. We divided the tasks efficiently—one working on hand-stitching while the other handled machine sewing across various details. Lastly, we took great care in preparing the package sent to the United States, including a thank-you note, a vintage photograph, lovely floral tissue paper, and a decorative ribbon, along with care and washing instructions to preserve this delicate garment.
Sewing part
I crafted and attached the back buttons along with their loops, then traveled to Paris to have the buttonholes made. The dress features an adjustable back martingale and a cotton gauze fabric manipulated to create a textured relief effect. Pearl and sequin embroideries were entirely hand-sewn, as were the fine finishing details distributed throughout the garment. Almost the entire dress is attached to its lining using hand-stitched cross-stitches. It is the attention to the smallest detail that gives this exceptional creation its full charm, making it a truly unique piece in our client's wardrobe.
Skills
This creation was a brand-new experience for me, across pattern making, sewing, and fashion design alike. I realized that a single garment could offer two distinct looks without overly complicating the manufacturing process. It all comes down to every detail: choosing mismatched buttons of various sizes, or using subtle techniques to create unique fabric textures while preserving the original material. It’s about adding a signature, a sense of purpose, a story, and above all, enjoying the freedom to create. I also believe this project allowed me to deepen my hand-sewing skills, refine the cohesion of a complete look, and deliver meticulous, recognized craftsmanship. Furthermore, it enhanced my teamwork capabilities; I know how to align with a shared vision, follow an organized workflow, and respect tight production deadlines.
Assistant Stylist - Atelier Chardon Savard Student Collection Photoshoot
Introduction
Nell entrusted me with the responsibility of organising and coordinating the photoshoot for her designs. As part of her academic year at Atelier Chardon Savard, she worked on a collaborative collection centred around a sarcastic and satirical political theme (a project where I was not involved in the design or sewing process). My primary role was to act as an on-set dresser, styling and fitting the models for Nell’s specific looks while collaborating closely with the student team, models, and professional photographer. It was a highly rewarding, creative, and inspiring experience that allowed for great networking.
Credit :
artistic direction: @lauresaemann @crbz.n
shoot + edition: @lenfantsoleil @darioholtz assistants: @marie_ncc @juliettegtau @prdval
models: @giulsdefruit @weneedtotalkaboutnubia @evamaria0101 @only_tife
clothes made by: @lauresaemann @crbz.n @astrid_rbn accessories made by: @made.by.paresse @_6grph_
Personal Corbaz collection - Stylist Assistant & Seamstress
UPCOMING
ZGeneration Paris 75 - 03/04 2026
Pattern Making for the upcycle collection 26/27
Introduction - English Internship
The main goal of this internship was to initiate the new collection for the designer. Being the only intern during this period, I had to handle a wide variety of tasks across all stages of production. Although I was less directly involved in the pure design aspect, I offered suggestions to ensure the final product aligned perfectly with the brand's identity and values. My primary responsibilities included hand and machine sewing, pattern making based on deconstructed denim jeans, and my favorite technique: draping on a Stockman dress form. The designer also tasked me with sourcing shirts of various sizes and patterns to upcycle them into tote bags. Additionally, I assisted in attaching labels to screen-printed graphic t-shirts prior to launching them on the e-commerce website. At its core, the brand’s identity revolves around upcycling. I created custom garments by cutting denim jeans into strips and assembling them with a serger to produce a completely unique yardage of fabric. The brand is well known for its focus on second-hand materials, fabric recovery, and upcycling a movement that marks a crucial turning point in today's fashion industry.
Pattern Making / Molding & Sewing
To create certain pieces, I used existing garments either to upcycle them or to deconstruct them in order to develop near-custom patterns. For the denim, the technique involved serging the edges and joining them piece by piece at each end. Whether on the right side or the reverse, the finish had to be flawless, avoiding any obvious patchwork appearance.
Creative Part
The goal was to collect discarded garments and transform them into unique, original fabrics. The idea was to build new materials through layering—combining tulle, polka dots, lace, and trimmings—so that during the pattern-cutting process, every single piece turned out to be unique, bringing a strong identity and DNA to the brand.
Skills
I was required to work independently on all projects, drawing upon my existing knowledge and skills. This experience also allowed me to improve my draping techniques, enhance my spoken English and listening comprehension, and refine my hand-sewing skills. Furthermore, I became more disciplined and efficient at machine sewing while developing a deeper understanding of the assembly process for highly intricate, stylized garments.
The Statement Vintage Store Turenne Paris - 06/07 2025
Luxury Vintage Store
Introduction
This boutique brings together three vintage enthusiasts and fashion curators specializing in high-end and luxury pieces. Highlighting European craftsmanship—primarily Made in Italy and Made in France—the shop offers a curated selection of garments and accessories from renowned designers. I worked directly for Leslie, founder of the label RIIS STUDIO, while also supporting the brands COSMICS and JEANNETTE. I intentionally chose this internship to gain deep access to vintage archives from iconic houses such as Dior by John Galliano, Hermès, Chanel, Escada, Fifi Chachnil, and Céline. Located on Rue de Turenne, the boutique was the perfect setting to immerse myself in Paris's luxury second-hand and vintage scene, offering everything from rare museum-worthy archives to more accessible everyday pieces. Throughout this experience, I took on diverse responsibilities and successfully contributed to sales while catering to an esteemed, largely international clientele.
Retail sales
Following my first retail role at Maison Michel, I once again stepped into a sales advisor position, this time within a different setting: the curation and resale of vintage and couture archive pieces over a two-month period. My fluency in English allowed me to be a key asset to the team, effortlessly engaging with the international and tourist clientele that represents the boutique's main target market. As a result, I was able to close sales with greater ease and confidence. Spanning across two floors, the boutique presents an extensive range of high-end garments and accessories. Each of the three curators brought a distinct aesthetic to the shop:
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Leslie (RIIS STUDIO) brought a distinctly glamorous flair, with a passion for sourcing real fur pieces of exceptional quality. Her favorite houses included Louis Vuitton, Gucci, La Perla, Valentino, Just Cavalli, and Dior.
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Cosmics focused on a more masculine and structured selection, showcasing pieces from designers such as Issey Miyake, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
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Jeannette, the founder, embraced a bohemian-chic style highlighted by delicate, feminine pieces like vintage lingerie and resortwear. Her lineup featured iconic brands like Fendi, Chanel, Escada, Céline, and Hermès.
Mission
I was frequently responsible for receiving and processing new arrivals, including sunglasses, dresses, unique archive pieces, and timeless luxury items. I conducted thorough quality control checks on each item to inspect for tears, stains, or any flaws. Once validated, I created tags specifying the garment type, origin, brand, and price. I paid close attention to the boutique’s visual identity, organizing items in harmonious color stories across the display space. Window displays were updated regularly: whenever a featured piece was sold, I immediately rethought the arrangement to select an appropriate replacement for both the window and the wall displays. Regular stockroom organization was also necessary to identify seasonal trends and select optimal items for the floor. Maintaining clean glass displays, ensuring boutique security, and keeping an eye on overall operations were essential daily duties. Additionally, we evaluated pricing strategies for items that had been in store for a while, considering markdowns or strategic repositioning to enhance their visibility. Lastly, I handled external logistics, coordinating with cobblers for shoe restoration, tailors for zipper replacements, specialized dry cleaners for delicate garments, and opticians to swap prescription lenses for non-prescription ones.
Creativity
Alongside my sales duties, I was also involved in recreating garments through upcycling, giving them a second life and transforming their design. I carried out extensive repair and alteration work, including sewing new buttons, repurposing trousers into a matching top-and-skirt set, and adding hardware or decorative accents such as rivets and brooches. Additionally, I repaired damaged hems and altered dresses with unravelling zippers.
Maison Michel Rue Cambon Paris - 08/09 2024
Millinery Retail Haute Couture
Introduction
Founded in 1936, Maison Michel is renowned for its Haute Couture hats and its historic collaboration with Coco Chanel. I had the incredible opportunity to intern for two months at their flagship store in the heart of Paris. This experience was highly educational, allowing me to refine my skills in customer welcoming, tailored styling advice, and managing bespoke requests. Beyond retail, the role was not merely about selling hats, but about sharing an exceptional heritage and a craft passed down from artisan to artisan. Throughout this internship, I discovered a field driven above all by passion. While sales techniques are essential, articulating the story of a felt hat—its manufacturing, craftsmanship, French heritage, and premium quality—makes all the difference. I had the privilege of catering to high-profile, prestigious clients, as well as women looking for statement pieces, ranging from delicate fascinators to elegant wide-brimmed caps.
Retail sales
It was essential to thoroughly understand the House’s history, values, and unique identity. Before making a first sale, initiating a preliminary conversation with clients is key to understanding their expectations, finding out if they are familiar with the brand or boutique, and creating a genuine connection beyond a simple transaction. Cultivating curiosity and open-mindedness is undoubtedly crucial to guiding clients smoothly through this experience. In the beginning, patience and observation were required to absorb the valuable advice of the training staff and gain confidence when interacting with an international clientele. I adopted a tailored communication approach to ensure clients felt fully supported for any questions or requests. Step by step, I successfully closed sales with high-profile clients I never thought I would meet in my lifetime. It was equally important to instruct clients on how to care for and store their headwear properly. Dedicated hat boxes featuring the Maison Michel monogram were offered for purchase. Additionally, I took care of hand-stitching pleats on the inner elastic bands to tailor each hat to the customer's exact head size.
Mission
Every day, we followed a strict protocol provided by my internship supervisor, Marie-Agnès, the store manager. Morning and evening, a checklist had to be validated to track the exact quantity of items displayed in windows, on shelves, and across various fixtures. We were also responsible for managing customer inquiries via email and WhatsApp. One of my main assignments was updating the After-Sales Service (SAV) binder. This was a crucial task, as these documents contained vital tracking information for items sent back to the workshop for repair or maintenance. As a team, we also kept clients informed about new arrivals, including headwear collections and accessories. During quieter moments, I pre-assembled the signature boxes used for packaging sold items. I constantly ensured the boutique maintained an inviting ambiance—a subtle signature scent, optimal room temperature, and soft background music. Additionally, we regularly checked our basement inventory to place restock orders with the workshop. Lastly, I carried out personalized deliveries to prestigious locations, such as Hôtel de Crillon or private residences near the Arc de Triomphe, catering to loyal Maison Michel clients. We also arranged courier services to ensure same-day home delivery for local purchases.
Haute couture
Here lies a true Métier d'Art, where the majority of creations are designed at le 19M. However, the House also collaborates with specialized weaving artisans around the world—master craftspeople who produce exceptional fabrics for specific headwear models. Understanding the hours of meticulous labor required at each stage of production is key. The craft is exemplified by the technique of shaping felt over wooden blocks, where the material is stretched and molded using high-temperature steam, then set to hold its form. Within the ateliers, artisans dedicate themselves to embroidery, ribbon application, logo stitching, cut-and-sew assembly, and fine accessories like delicate chinstraps. All these hands come together to bring to life creations ranging from casual to highly sophisticated, fulfilling every client’s desire. A single hat can take several days to complete; some entirely handcrafted pieces are shared via message as exclusive previews with high-profile clients who deeply appreciate this level of artistry. Discovering Haute Couture millinery during my first year of studies was a true revelation of an authentic, precious craft. This internship demonstrated that fashion is equally defined by these key elements—a hat or accessory acting as the ultimate touch to complete and elevate a look, much like on a Chanel runway.