Where to find embroidery treasures in Paris
Discover Paris's oldest auction house in your pyjamas.
Bonjour dear embroidery friends!
Have you ever dreamed of stumbling upon a forgotten 18th-century sampler (more on that below)? Or bidding on a couture gown stitched with gold thread? I’m doing exactly that (or browsing, at least)… while sipping coffee at home, in my pyjamas, with Pastis (my Norwich terrier) napping by my side. Welcome to the very convenient online version of Hôtel Drouot—Paris’ legendary auction house, where you can find amazing textile treasures from the past.
Founded in 1852, Hôtel Drouot is not only one of the oldest auction houses in the world. It’s one of the most eccentric, with its red velvet walls and buzzing salesrooms. Here, emperors’ robes, forgotten wardrobes, and museum-worthy textiles change hands in a matter of minutes.
🧵 How It Works (and Why It’s So Fun)
Unlike the posh, intimidating vibe of some auction houses, Drouot is delightfully democratic. A lot of my friends regularly buy there. Gilles searches for very specific books, Clive and Richard love chic furniture and Elizabeth finds the most amazing clothes and accessories. I, of course, focus on embroidery. Dealers, collectors, curious flâneurs mingle in its 15 viewing rooms. You can inspect the lots in person or browse online, place a bid. Sales happen almost daily, covering everything from tapestries to haute couture. Just today, I found 17 upcoming sales that will include fashion, textiles, embroideries and other related categories. Check them out!
📚 Did You Know? Quirky Tales from the Auction Floor
Every week since 1891, La Gazette Drouot has been the essential tool for learning about and exploring art and its market. Thousands of articles explain, decipher and analyse objects and their markets, while others invite leading figures to share their passion. Not to mention the latest cultural news and a detailed list of the most important exhibitions.
🧵 Some of my favourite items in auction at the moment
A lot of 4 books which includes Le Décor des soieries françaises de l'origine à 1815, Les Tissus d'Art, Encyclopédie des ouvrages de dames and Les Reines de l'aiguille. Bid starts at €9
A lot of French vintage haberdashery materials, including a box containing spools and needles from Maison Sajou, patterns boklets, a sewing notebook with various needlework exercises and a set of embroidery cottons. Bid starts at €30-€40.
A beautiful embroidered clutch bag, Louis XVI period. The cream taffeta is embroidered with sequins, cannetille, silver thread and lace embroidery. Decorated with monogrammed medallions featuring a sheaf surrounded by garlands on the top. The interior features flower baskets and moonstones.
And of course, my favorite at the moment: an embroidered sample originally thought for a court dress, attributed to embroidery GENIUS Bony (I need to tell you about him on a future post). It’s my birthday soon, if anyone is thinking of a present ;)
This was most probably made in Lyon, circa 1800. The gros de Tours cream lamé silver base is embellished with sequins and polychrome silk. The border is decorated with garlands of flowers and leaves (check the pale pink tulle incrustation in the pictures below) and enhanced with cabochons of moonstones and amethyst-colored glass set with cannetille.
Check out this super special textile and costumes sale.
✨ Your Invitation to Treasure Hunt
I highly recommend exploring Drouot's online platform: drouot.com. You can set alerts for keywords like "broderie", “mercerie”, “nappe brodée”, "textile ancien," or "haute couture"—and even preview upcoming lots.
Whether you're a collector, researcher, or just embroidery-curious, it’s a magical (and addictive) way to see what’s moving in the world of historical textiles. The images are usually very high resolution so it’s a great source of inspiration as well.
🔍 Pro Tip from Me
When you register for a free account on the Drouot site, use the search bar weekly or check it daily on the app, which is super convenient (and addictive). Some of the best finds are hidden in general sales, not always in specialist textile auctions.
Stay curious,
✨ Nadia
Textile explorer & embroidery detective ;)