THE STORY
Cécile and Nadia first crossed paths in Paris 10 years ago, when Nadia came to show her beautiful fabrics and embroidery to Cécile. By chance, they met again on the metro, sparking a friendship that blossomed quickly. Bonding over a shared love for craftsmanship, food, art, and their dogs, they soon became inseparable. Now, they’re inviting others to join their creative retreats in Paris, where they share the magic of their favorite city and their passion for all things handmade. Come experience the warmth, artistry, and joy that brought Cécile and Nadia together.
Cécile Poignant
Born and raised in Paris, Cécile embodies the essence of a true Parisian, bringing warmth, insight, and elegance to all she does. With 35 years of experience as a trend forecaster, Cécile has a unique talent for sensing emerging shifts and needs in culture and business. Her keen eye and passion for uncovering “weak signals” have guided international brands in beauty, luxury, and beyond. Cécile loves sharing her knowledge and connecting with others, whether she’s speaking at global conferences, leading workshops, or teaching students at renowned institutions like IFM, ESCP, and the American University of Paris. Cécile is driven by a boundless curiosity. She finds joy in simple, meaningful moments—whether sipping a delicate Japanese green tea, savoring fine dark chocolate, or getting lost in a good book. She’s also deeply connected to Nature, and in another life, she imagines herself as a landscape designer. With Cécile as your host, you can expect an experience that’s both insightful and refreshingly down-to-earth. She has a knack for creating an atmosphere of openness and curiosity.
Nadia Albertini
Born in Mexico city, Nadia is an internationally renowned haute couture embroidery designer, historian, and educator. She splits her time between Paris and Corsica. With over twenty years experience in fashion design, her career has taken her to work in Paris, Antwerp, Singapore, and New York. Nadia has collaborated with prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Chloé, Balmain, Dries van Noten, Sies Marjan, and The Row. Nadia travels globally—often accompanied by her loyal dog, Pastis—to teach and share her expertise in textile arts. Her lectures and workshops are thoughtfully designed to offer both technical precision and historical context, appealing to students and artisans at all levels. She is a sought-after lecturer, frequently invited to teach at the University of the Arts in Singapore, Polimoda in Florence, and the American University of Paris. As an author, Nadia has delved into the rich legacy of couture embroidery through her books: Rébé, Broderies Haute Couture (2021) and Kitmir: The Russian Embroideries of Mademoiselle Chanel (2023). Her work in publishing has been widely recognized for preserving and illuminating these intricate crafts