Olivia, 30 years old<

By Martine TartourSend by e-mail

I liked what she was doing. My mother is a model of determination that I have always wanted to take as an example.

She is the one who encourages me to sew. I am moving towards a BEP/CAP couture vagueness and a technician's diploma in clothing creation and measurement, in a renowned school in Cannes. Very quickly, I know that I want to be a pattern maker, that is to say, to create a pattern from a drawing. You have to be meticulous and rigorous.

When an internship is offered in Paris, at Kenzo, I raise my hand right away. I aim for haute couture.

I opt for a degree in model making in alternation: it will be Lyon for the studies and Paris at Kenzo.

As a model maker. My role: to follow all the stages of the creation of a dress until it is worn by celebrities or clients around the world.

I am taking over from my manager who is retiring. I'm young in a world of seasoned seamstresses… It's a lot of work, but I'm totally invested. And just like one day, a workshop foreman gave me my chance at Kenzo, I take it to heart to hire young interns.

I was offered the position of head of the workshop. I have my last job interview with Karl Lagerfeld: the most important day of my career! My job: to use all my know-how to bring Mr. Lagerfeld's sketches to life. The collection period is a strong emotional moment. I work closely with the Studio, I have three seconds and twenty-five experienced seamstresses in my studio. And, outside, the embroiderers, feather workers, furriers, pleaters, etc.

Pass on this knowledge, start a family. And continue to carry out my mission as first workshop.