Welcome to HCCC

Do you love sewing and design?

Welcome to the Haute Couture Club of Chicago! As Chicago’s oldest and most diverse private sewing club, we’ve been serving up sartorial satisfaction since 1964. We take pride in our workmanship and foster a creative environment that any sewist - from the beginner to the most advanced - can be inspired by and learn from.

2024 FASHION SHOW PHOTOS

2024 - 2025 Meeting Schedule

All meetings will be held at the Chicago Bar Association with a Zoom option if noted.

September 7, 2024 - "The Iconic Wrap Dress" - Anne Steeves, Gorgeous Fabrics. In person and via Zoom
October 5, 2024 - "The Amazing Bias Cut" - Julianne Bramson. In person and via Zoom
November 2, 2024 - "Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective" - Jessica Pushor, Chicago History Museum. In person and via Zoom
December 8, 2024 - Holiday Luncheon - Osteria Via Stato
January 4, 2025 - "Working with Silk Fabrics" - Suzy Furrer. Via Zoom
February 1, 2025 - "Elevate your Projects with Couture Techniques" - Lynda Maynard. Via Zoom
March 1, 2025 - "The Pattern Making Process of Bra Design" - Jennifer Fairbanks, Porcelynne. Via Zoom
April 5, 2025 - "Create Inner Foundations" - Alison Smith, MBE. Via Zoom
May 4, 2025 - Fashion Show - Chicago Yacht Club
June 7, 2025- "Exquisite Details of Ann Williamson's Designer Garments" - Ann Williamson Via Zoom

Meeting Agenda

Our meetings follow the agenda below:

Socializing 9:30 - 10 am
Program 10 - 11 am
Club Business 11 am - 11:30 am
Show and Share 11:30 am - Noon

Unless otherwise stated, all HCCC meetings will be held at the Chicago Bar Association at 321 S. Plymouth Court; Chicago, IL

Upcoming Workshops

Six Session Tailoring Workshop with Mary Funt
Join us for a six session course in which we’ll dive into the hidden details of fine tailoring. We will explore construction techniques not found in most commercial pattern instructions. You will learn how to select the proper materials and use them to create the shaping required for a woman’s tailored jacket. Traditional hand tailoring techniques will be used.

We will meet approximately every 3-4 weeks for 2.5 hours on Saturday mornings from 10-12:30 USA Eastern time zone. You will need to do “homework” between sessions. The classes will be recorded in case you can’t join live or want to review.

Course outline:
Session 1: Tools, fabrics, cutting and marking
Session 2: Constructing the front canvas
Session 3: Attaching the front canvas and shaping the lapels
Session 4: Shaping and attaching the collar; Buttonholes
Session 5: Pockets and Sleeves
Session 6: Lining and finishing details

Schedule: September 28, October 19, November 9, December 7, January 11, January 25

This class is exclusive to members of Haute Couture Club of Chicago at a special rate of $300 per person.

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due by September 5th to hold your spot.

Join Now!

The annual membership fee is $35.

Click Here to Join

2024 - 2025 Board of Directors

President - Liz Houlihan
1st VP, Programs - Eve Kovacs & Robin Buscemi-Rivera
2nd VP, Membership - Sue Heiss
Treasurer - Wendy Grossman
Secretary - Linda Anderson-Mauser

Newsletter - Zeila Schmidt
Workshops - Sue Heiss, Wendy Grossman & Liz Houlihan
Website & Social Media - Renée Liepins
Fashion Show Coordinator - OPEN