Clara Dittli is a European-trained couturier and teacher. She has devoted a lifetime to the pursuit of couture – fashion’s highest art. In Switzerland, at the age of 16, she began an intensive four-year technical and apprenticeship program in the fashion industry. This program combined formal studies at the Trade and Business School of Luzern and the School of Arts at the University of Zurich with the majority of her time spent at a private atelier (i.e., where a professionally licensed couturier trains future professionals through the apprenticeship model) doing hands-on training. Clara then worked at three different Couture Houses in Zurich – Grieder, Wigert, and Oscar Rom. Grieder was licensed to construct original designs by Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Balenciaga.
In 1985, Clara moved to the United States, got married and opened a home-based couture sewing and teaching studio in the Metro Denver Area, which she operates part-time today. She works with a select clientele. Several of Clara’s former students are currently attending, or have acceptances, at world renown fashion schools. She also teaches local and national industry professionals wanting to elevate their sewing techniques and skill enhancement, and discerning individuals passionate about making unique, couture quality garments.
Clara is a founding member of the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) and has conducted numerous local and national seminars on couture sewing. She is the chair of the Jurying Committee of the Colorado Chapter of ASDP.
Mentoring
As a fashion industry mentor for the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals – Colorado Chapter, Clara is willing to use her knowledge and personal experiences to advise and guide one person for one hour per month in the following ways:
- Help clarify their personal fashion industry goals
- Provide guidance on how to prepare for admittance to highly reputable fashion schools worldwide
- Identify how to create a fashion portfolio
- Identify the technical and interpersonal skills needed to achieve success
- Assess the quality of work that you do now
- Encourage you to do your best work possible