Project RESTART: Study Visits to Discover the World of Tailoring

The RESTART project, the intensive and professional tailoring course funded by the 8x1000 grant of the Waldensian Church, has come to an end. In its final phase, however, there were important opportunities to visit textile and tailoring companies to see the craft in action.

Tailoring as a Living Art

How does a tailoring workshop function in practice? How is it organized? What kinds of garments are produced? These were some of the questions explored during the study visits attended by the six participants of the RESTART professional course. In addition to hours spent in the workshop with Roberta, an art therapy module, and a job-readiness module, the participants also visited leading fashion-sector organizations. The first visit took place at Lab20, an excellence atelier producing high-fashion garments. The second visit was to the Giorgio Armani Privé exhibition, where participants admired masterpieces from past couture collections. A future visit is already planned at EuroJersey in Caronno Pertusella.

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Dedication Behind Every Stitch

“It was exciting to see the beautiful garments they work on and the very high level of expertise of the people involved,” one participant shared after visiting Lab20. Another added: “Seeing the artisans at work makes you realize how much commitment, passion, care, dedication, and technical preparation are required to create haute couture pieces.” During the course, the six women refined various tailoring techniques and learned new ones. Visiting the atelier and speaking directly with the workers allowed them to understand how those techniques are applied in real production contexts.

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Timeless Elegance

One afternoon was dedicated to visiting the Giorgio Armani Privé exhibition. The participants were left breathless by the beauty and elegance of the creations, carefully observing every seam and detail. “Timeless elegance, harmony of the cut, the luminosity of carefully chosen fabrics, the precious embroidery, and the precision work conveyed a sense of lightness and purity to me—while also making me aware of how much effort and dedication are required to produce such extraordinary garments,” one participant reflected.

A visit to EuroJersey is already scheduled. This will provide participants with the opportunity to explore another side of the tailoring world and understand how high-quality materials are created—materials that are essential for producing fine garments.

RESTART was therefore much more than a tailoring course. Observing firsthand the many dimensions of this remarkable craft opens pathways toward employment and the discovery of new professional realities.

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