Atelier is a workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or haute couture fashion designer.
In art, the atelier consists of a master artist, usually a professional painter, sculptor, or from the mid-19th century a fine art photographer, working with a small number of students to train them in visual or fine arts. This very word has also taken on other similar meanings, indicating a place of work and study of the haute couture fashion designer, hair stylist and artists in general.
Atelier is the French word for "workshop" or "studio". In regard to clothing, shoes, jewelry or accessories it references a designers studio or workshop in which they work to merchandise & manufacturer product. In English the term Atelier is most often used for the private workshop or studio of a professional artist in the fine or decorative arts, where a principal master and a number of assistants, students, and apprentices work together producing pieces of fine art or visual art released under the master's name or supervision. Although the primary use of the word may be in regard to artists, it is clearly recognized as an apparel industry term as well.
Many ateliers have internationally recognized fashion designers, employees of the designer, as well as apprentices. Apprentices usually begin young, working on simple tasks, and after several months or years become more important within the organization. Often an apprentice may grow to a point that they leave their current workshop to become masters designers of their own business.
Although the methods vary, most painting ateliers train students in the skills and techniques associated with creating some form of representational art, the making of two-dimensional images that appear real to the viewer. They traditionally include sessions for drawing or painting nude art.
Atelier schools can be found around the world, particularly in North America and Western Europe.
Synonyms of Atelier: workshop, studio, workroom
You may also want to learn more about international fashion designers from our guide.
Learn more about haute couture fashion designers here in the fashion terms section.