About this Event
With Emmy Award–Winning Designer Gustavo Apiti
Sewing and garment-making skills are rapidly declining across Washington State, creating a growing gap in our creative and fashion workforce. In response, Emmy Award–winning designer Gustavo Apiti is giving back to the community by sharing his professional couture expertise to help educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of skilled makers and designers.
The Couture Master Sewing Classes are professional, hands-on training programs designed for youth and adults who are serious about learning couture-level sewing, garment construction, fit, and finishing in an authentic atelier-style environment.
This experience blends creativity with discipline, craftsmanship, and real-world techniques used in luxury fashion houses.
Class Start Dates:
• Beginner Couture Sewing Class: Starts March 27-28
• Intermediate Couture Sewing Class: Starts June 20
• Advanced Couture Sewing Class: Starts September 26
Students may book their upper-level classes in advance by visiting our other class listings on Eventbrite to secure their spot early.
Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 10 students per age group to ensure focused instruction and personalized guidance.
• Group A: Ages 10–17
• Group B: Ages 18 +
Participants
Will Learn:
Sewing machine mastery, Atelier discipline, Precision garment construction, Textile knowledge, Fabric behavior, Body measurements, Proportions, Fit analysis, Couture fitting, Silhouette perfection, Professional alterations, Fittings, Couture hand-finishing techniques, Draping, Patternmaking, Corsetry foundations, Structural garment construction, Bridal couture techniques, Ceremonial garment design, Creation of a runway-ready couture garment, Conceptualization, Design, and Execution of a mini couture collection
This class is ideal for beginners, emerging designers, and creatives seeking to develop strong couture foundations in a supportive, studio-based setting. Hands-on instruction, Small group learning and Certificate of completion included.
The professional rate for couture-level training of this caliber is valued at $80 per hour.
In alignment with our mission to empower both youth and adults in our community, Gustavo Apiti has intentionally reduced the instructional rate to $60 per hour for this program.
BEGINNER ATELIER – Group A: Ages 10–17
Foundation of Couture Craftsmanship
Duration: 10 Weeks
Program Price: $1800
Schedule: 1 Day/Week | 3 Hours/Class
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Prerequisite: None
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Understand sewing machine operation and safety
• Execute basic hand stitches and seam finishes
• Identify fabrics and understand fabric behavior
• Construct simple garments with accuracy
• Learn atelier etiquette and workflow basics
Core Topics:
• Sewing tools & machine mastery
• Hand stitches & seam finishes
• Fabric grain, cutting & marking
• Basic garment assembly
• Pressing & finishing fundamentals
Projects:
• Sewing samples
• 1–2 beginner garments or accessories
Assessment:
• Skill demonstration
• Project completion
• Instructor feedback
BEGINNER ATELIER – Group B: Ages 18+
Foundation of Couture Craftsmanship
Duration: 10 Weeks
Program Price: $1800
Schedule: 1 Day/Week | 3 Hours/Class
Hours: saturdays 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Prerequisite: None
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Understand sewing machine operation and safety
• Execute basic hand stitches and seam finishes
• Identify fabrics and understand fabric behavior
• Construct simple garments with accuracy
• Learn atelier etiquette and workflow basics
Core Topics
• Sewing tools & machine mastery
• Hand stitches & seam finishes
• Fabric grain, cutting & marking
• Basic garment assembly
• Pressing & finishing fundamentals
Projects
• Sewing samples
• 1–2 beginner garments or accessories
Assessment
• Skill demonstration
• Project completion
• Instructor feedback
BEGINNER ATELIER – INTENSIVE (Age: 18+ only)
Professional Couture Foundations – Accelerated & In-Depth
Duration: 10 Weeks
Program Price: $3000
Schedule: 1Days/Week | 5Hours/Class
Hours: Sundays 10:00am-3:00 pm
Admission: Open (high commitment required)
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Master machines quickly and accurately
• Develop precision sewing at speed
• Understand professional atelier workflow
• Produce garments under deadlines
Advanced Topics
• Industrial & domestic machine mastery
• Couture hand stitches (advanced)
• Fabric grain control & cutting accuracy
• Measurement systems & standards
• Pressing, finishing & productivity
Projects
• 2–3 finished garments
Assessment
• Speed & precision
• Technical consistency
• Professional conduct
FINANCIAL NOTE
This Eventbrite listing reflects standard private-pay tuition for a professional couture training experience.
Limited scholarship or sponsored opportunities may be available through external programs and are not processed through Eventbrite.
For your convenience, we also accept additional payment methods including PayPal, Square, Visa, and major credit cards for tuition payments.
For additional information, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Cell/Text: +12065572207
STUDENT EXHIBITION
All Beginner and Intermediate students enrolled in both the Standard and Intensive programs will have the opportunity to exhibit their completed garments at a curated showcase following program completion.
This exhibition invites family members, friends, industry guests, and community supporters to view students’ work and celebrate their creative achievements. The showcase reinforces professional presentation standards while giving participants the experience of presenting their craftsmanship to a public audience.
RUNWAY SHOWCASE & JUDGING
(Advanced Level Only – Standard & Intensive)
Advanced Couture students will present their final collections in a formal runway showcase, offering real-world fashion industry exposure and professional critique.
Collections will be judged by a panel of guest industry professionals based on the following criteria:
• Craftsmanship
• Fit and construction
• Couture finishing
• Creativity and design execution
• Overall presentation and runway presence
A small participation fee will apply to cover runway production costs, including venue setup, models, staging, and technical production.
This experience simulates an authentic couture runway environment and serves as a powerful portfolio and career milestone.
BEST COUTURE STUDENT AWARD
(Advanced Level Only – Standard & Intensive)
Winner receives:
• A special prize and Opportunity to showcase at the Gustavo Apiti Couture Annual Runway Show
https://www.gustavoapiti.com/
SEWING MACHINE POLICY
Students are encouraged to bring their own sewing machine so they can:
• Learn threading & troubleshooting on their own equipment
• Practice at home
• Complete assignments between classes
(Studio machines available in limited quantity)
STUDENT BENEFITS (ALL PROGRAMS)
FREE tickets to the annual Gustavo Apiti Couture Runway Show
Professional portfolio development
Industry critique & exposure
Certificate of Completion per level
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2265 116th Ave NE, 2265 116th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, United States
USD 1932.55 to USD 3015.00
