How to sew Balzac-style clothes?
If you love the Parisian brand Balzac, here are a few tips to get inspired by their iconic pieces for your own sewing!
Fluid leopard pants
One of the brand’s most popular pieces is the Piana pant, a flowing piece in viscose, flared at the calf.
For inspiration on this timeless wardrobe staple, use Lise Tailor’s Giverny pattern, which follows the flattering silhouette of the Balzac Paris model.
You can choose a soft viscose, and a strong fabric like a leopard print with touches of lurex, or a plain fabric for a more muted piece.
A shirt with a Victorian collar
The Victorian collar, with gathers running up to the chin, is the defining detail of the Lénor shirt.
To reproduce this detail, sew the Hazel pattern from joli lab. Use cotton with vertical blue and white stripes. To get closer to the Balzac Paris garment, don’t hesitate to lengthen the collar a little to accentuate its originality.
Leopard overalls
Edifice dungarees are one of the brand’s best sellers. They feature a wide, straight cut and fine finishing, including a front pocket and a waistband with belt loops.
You can use the Charlie dungarees pattern, designed by Maison Naïve, which also features side buttons and pockets.
And if you want something as original as the original Balzac Paris piece, opt for leopard-print denim or velvet.
A dress with balloon sleeves
The Bridget dress is a rather original piece: a short dress with very wide balloon sleeves.
For a similar look, opt for a shiny fabric such as satin crepe. Or a rayon-based challis. Or viscose.
Vogue’s pattern 1723 takes up the idea of puffed sleeves and a wide cut. If you want a look similar to the Balzac Paris dress, you’ll need to reduce the length when cutting the fabric.
The oversized shirt
The Hector shirt is a basic closet staple. Well-cut, slightly oversized, it features a small breast pocket. It’s a rather technical piece to reproduce because of its technical details (button placket, collar…). But it’s within the grasp of a seasoned seamstress (or dressmaker)!
Coralie Bijasson Effigie ‘s pattern will give you a result very close to the original.
To sew this piece, choose a fluid viscose or cotton.
The long buttoned skirt
The Salina model is a long, elegant skirt, buttoned at the front and made from soft, lightweight cotton.
To sew a similar skirt, you can use the Gael and Sew pattern. However, you’ll need to sew just one flounce, as on the Balzac Paris piece.
Fabrics include cotton voile, cotton poplin or viscose, in white, printed or brightly colored, depending on the desired result.
A blouse with an XXL collar
The distinctive feature of the Amy de Balzac Paris shirt is its large claudine collar, also known as the Pierrot collar in reference to the commedia dell’arte character. If you’re inspired by this piece, make sure you keep this original touch!
McCall’s 8180F5 pattern contains several collar variations. In particular, it allows you to sew an XXL claudine collar. You can also use your sewing machine to reproduce the scalloped stitch at the hem of the Amy shirt.
Choose a matching or contrasting yarn to highlight the collar. And a pretty checked cotton poplin to keep the room’s country feel.
A pinafore dress in denim
In the spirit of Edifice dungarees, Dona is a loose-fitting dress that can be worn in summer or winter with tights.
If you’re inspired by this piece, get the Toronto pattern from Ikatee. For the fabric, denim or raw denim. Ikatee’s pattern will give you the same center seam and round neckline.
And what about you? Do you like to take inspiration from ready-to-wear brands when planning your next sewings? If so, check out our article on the Sézane brand.
