Folk Couture

one of a kind, hand stitched clothes made out of clothes for women who dare. Long before either, though, I was drawn to fashion. I needed them. It was 1974!

In my sea of raw materials, aka my studio, a piece of clothing might sit for months until finally it’s ready to tell me what it wants to be. More often than not, however, the dialogue and the vision are immediate: I see a well-made, previously-loved something—a fine cashmere sweater, a rough hewn linen dress, a shimmery skirt that twirls the way skirts are meant to—and in no time I set about cutti

ng and pinning and making new clothes, the likes of which no one else has ever imagined. I grew up “thrifting” with my artist parents and later learned to sew next to my
mother. At eight, I dreamt of having go-go boots. I finally got a pair and wore them proudly with my striped tights and mini skirts. For my high school prom, my mother and I made my fantasy outfit: an ice blue satin three-piece tuxedo with tails. In between and ever since, fashion has been a part of my life, and I’ve been known for my singular style. The Folk Couture line includes tunics, sweaters, dresses and gowns, all hand-stitched by me for women of style. My main clients are women who have come to know what they want to wear, and they wear it fearlessly. They are people who are drawn to the colors, the details, the thrill of finding something they wanted but didn't know existed, and the joy of being unique in this cookie cutter, mass produced world. I am also thrilled to teach others the joys of creating. I offer Recycle Your Closet Workshops/Parties, working with groups of friends to recycle their favorite clothing they no longer wear into something new and wonderful that they can enjoy again in entirely new ways. It inspires me to share my love of creating and the skill of sewing with both adults and children--hopefully inspiring a new generation of visionary designers. Folk Couture can be found at New York's famous Brooklyn Flea Market, Boston’s SOWA Markets, the Chicago One of A Kind Show, Craftopia in Rhode Island and many other fun and happy places where you can find brilliant local and handmade wares. Please join Folk Couture on Facebook and always know my latest scheduled events. You can also email me directly at [email protected] and see a large selection of past and present creations at flickr.com/photos/gracenapoleon

Folk Couture blends everything I love - handwork, fabric and everything that happens in between: Reinvention.

02/16/2025

Folk Couture has been out of business for quite a few years. Grace Napoleon’s business is now here on fb and insta. This is a page mainly for reference and history. You are all great!

01/13/2019

Ok folks, this is it. Folk Couture is no longer being made. After 10 years I had a new idea and have moved on to the challenge of a new line of clothing. Taskwear.
Please head over and like the Taskwear page! It’s time for something new!!!

10/17/2018

I would like you all to go like my Taskwear page. Please. Thank you

10/15/2018

Taskwear

10/10/2018

The new half apron.

10/10/2018

Future shows:

10/27 PVD Artisan Market, Lippett Park, PVD
11/11 Craftopia, Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket,RI
11/30-12/2 The Foundry Show, Pawtucket Armory, RI
12/7-9 The Foundry Show, Pawtucket Armory, RI