Atelier Montex is an embroidery house that offers its expertise to the biggest names in luxury Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture, and is developing its activities in the field of decorative and ornamental projects. Founded in 1949, its unique artisanal techniques enable it to create masterful samples that combine tradition and innovation.
Recognised as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) in 2013, Atelier Montex creates unique designs exclusively for each project. The company is full of highly modern embroidery samples that are both sophisticated and innovative, such as lace embroidered on newspaper, or a spiral of baguette beads with a three-dimensional volume effect. The designs are made using needlepoint, Lunéville crochet and, since the 1960s, Cornely embroidery: this century-old embroidery machine is mechanical but guided by hand, allowing for alternative stitching techniques. One of the hallmarks of Atelier Montex’s DNA is to dare to combine the irreplaceable gesture of the craftsman with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing or laser cutting, to generate new creative possibilities and give life to the expression of an artistic vision.
the Story
Founded in 1949 in Paris by Jacques Lemonier, Atelier Montex began by making embroidered fabrics by the metre for Parisian fashion houses. In the early 1980s, the arrival of Annie Trussart marked a decisive turning point in the history of the company: she brought an innovative vision fed by eclectic inspirations, which gradually shaped the identity of Atelier Montex. This approach bore fruit: in the 1990s, Atelier Montex worked with the biggest names in fashion and became one of their preferred partners. The house joined CHANEL’s Métiers d’Art in 2011.
Today, Atelier Montex has a staff of 60, with a wide range of backgrounds, from experienced craftsmen to young apprentices training in the embroidery trade.
Aska Yamashita,
Art Director
Aska Yamashita has been artistic director of Atelier Montex since 2017. A partner of Annie Trussart for over twenty years, she continues the creative history of Montex by bringing in new influences, always driven by the highest standards of technical quality. Her knowledge of historical savoir-faire, her multi-faceted personality, and her daring sense of creativity constantly push the boundaries of the imagination and open up new directions in embroidery. Aska Yamashita dares to use unusual materials and unexpected combinations of techniques (printing, machine embroidery, appliqué, laser cutting, etc.), and is involved in a host of creative collaborations in fields as diverse as haute cuisine and jewellery.