Textile Tales Reviews
“With great generosity of spirit and delight in her subject Rebecca shares her extensive and detailed knowledge of Haute Couture in France during the 18th and 19th centuries. Her course is a tour de force of the specialist skills required to create the magnificent gowns and accessories of the period – from gown construction and needlework to finishing and marketing. Rebecca ‘wears her learning lightly’ and with clarity and charm in equal measure she places the French fashion industry in its cultural and architectural context. The Notes which accompany each Tale are extensive, extremely helpful and great fun. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative course. I am so glad that I signed up!”
- Mary, 2023
“After hearing Rebecca Devaney be interviewed on various podcasts and in magazines, I decided to sign up for Textile Tales of Paris Part 2. My only regret is that I missed Part 1! What a wonderful way to spend an hour on a Sunday and so many new places to visit in Paris! Loved it!”
-Ellen, 2023
“Rebecca combines a rare deep knowledge of Paris and fashion history and the details of textile arts with the marvelous art of Irish storytelling. Her Textile Tales from Paris transport the listener/viewer back into history with a delightful and clear-eyed and humorous skill. Bravo!”
- Betsy, 2023
“Rebecca’s Textile Tales are wonderful!! Her knowledge is amazing and all her experience in the textile industry is fantastic!!! Look forward to each and everyone! Also her tours in Paris should not be missed!”
- Carolyn, 2023
“I decided to join this series because the thought of learning more about Parisian textiles, fripperies, history and haute couture was intriguing to me. Rebecca met and exceeded my expectations. She is engaging and so knowledgeable. The added benefit of being able to meander through her notes is such a treat. I have happily spent many a pleasurable hour wandering through videos and references that enhanced my overall experience.”
- Theresa, 2023
“What a lovely way to spend a Sunday evening - being transported back to La Belle Époque and other times! Rebecca’s evocative descriptions and faultless knowledge combine to create a fascinating series of talks that have sent me scurrying back to Zola and Colette to catch glimpses of the world and people she mentions.”
- Jerry, 2022
“Haute couture comes alive here. More than a class about gorgeous gowns past and present, although it is that too, Rebecca showcases the many craftspeople and line workers who design, stitch, bringing together fabric, thread, lace, sequins, feathers, and more. She knows every part of this process and is a brilliant storyteller. I can’t wait to be in Paris in person again and visit some of the places Rebecca introduced in the class.”
- Rebecca, 2022
“Textile Tales from Paris is a wonderful short course, full of fascinating details. The instructor, Rebecca Devaney, is just lovely. She delivers the lectures with great warmth and passion for the subject and is very responsive to student questions. The slides and videos are excellent, a carefully curated selection that are a delight to both the eye and the mind. I highly recommend this course and hope someday to take one of Rebecca's textile tours of Paris!”
- Mary, 2022
“How can I begin to thank you for the pleasure your Sunday evening Textile talks give me? Not only are they the highlight of my week but they give me food for thought and incite my creative juices during the week. Congratulations on always finding something interesting and inspirational to share.”
- Daniela, 2022
“Thank you very much for the great talk yesterday. It was absolutely marvellous because although I know a bit about fashion I did not know any of the details that you shared with us. You had so much detail in your talk that I wasn't able to retain it all so I am really grateful to have your notes and the recording so I can go over it all again. I remember you said that we could be doing something while you were talking but I have to say that actually I just wanted to look at the pictures you were sharing rather than just listening. I am really looking forward to the rest of them.”
- Clare, 2022
“Rebecca Devaney brings her talent as a textile artist and researcher to every online presentation of Textile Tales from Paris. She unravels the stories behind haute couture, shares the details of craftspeople and puts fashion into history with her inspired knowledge of literature, the female experience and her professional training. I have been entranced by her story telling and after each presentation dive into research of my own.”
- Mary, 2022
“I loved this series of classes ! The use of engravings and paintings to present the past, combined with the contemporary videos was really nice - it's all still there! I will miss the lectures on Sunday nights now - I'm looking forward to the next class!”
- Melany, 2022
“Watching and listening to Textile Tales is a great way to immerse yourself in the fashion world of Paris in earlier times and all the craftspeople who made it happen. Rebecca is very knowledgable and a delight to listen to. Her Textile Tales are informative and especially paint a great picture of life in the world of embroidery.”
- Susan, 2022
“I have enjoyed your Textile Tours of Paris talks immensely. I look forward to them, and they have been the most delightful hour of each week for me. It has been a fascinating tour of all the workrooms, artistry and politics that created such extravagant and exquisite garments. I am sad that our tour is ending, and in a final word (please) MORE!”
- Becky, 2022
“I just wanted to send a note to tell you how much I have enjoyed Textile Tales from Paris. It was a Christmas gift from my daughter (a hint from me). Since I love sewing and fashion, history and my elder daughter lives in Paris, it was the perfect gift.”
- Gillian, 2022
“What a great course! I especially loved the part about the éventails! I’ve learned a lot and I love how you talk about it all. Thank you!”
- Claire
“Thank you very much for the great talk yesterday. It was absolutely marvellous as far as I was concerned because although I know a bit about fashion I did not know any of the details that you shared with us. You had so much detail in your talk that I wasn't able to retain it all so I am really grateful to have your notes and the recording so I can go over it all again. I remember you said that we could be doing something while you were talking but I have to say that actually I just wanted to look at the pictures you were sharing rather than just listening. I am really looking forward to the rest of them.”
-Anonymous
“What a delight! Rebecca’s presentations are a great treat. A wonderful way to learn about an array of fascinating subjects. Her expertise and her research are the best!”
-Elizabeth