I am Katalin Szalai from Hungary, an embroidery artist specializing in Haute Couture hand embroidery.

I originally graduated as an economist in finance in 2006, and my career has spanned various fields, including finance, entertainment, and the antique trade. Alongside my professional journey, I am also a happy mother of two.

My love for handcraft began in childhood, inspired by my beloved mother, who introduced me to sewing, traditional embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. From an early age, I was constantly creating—designing jewellery from beads, leather, and a variety of unique materials.

Around 2010, I entered the world of antique dealing, where I developed a refined eye for vintage jewellery, handbags, and historical women’s accessories. Restoring antique purses, beaded bags, and garments allowed me to study the historical hand embroidery methods and the craftsmanship of past eras in great detail—an influence that continues to shape my work today.

In 2019, I began studying Luneville embroidery, a traditional Haute Couture technique, under the guidance of my mentor, Irena Gasha. Her work introduced me to the world of high fashion embroidery and inspired me to pursue this path professionally. She was trained at the prestigious École Lesage in Paris, whose legacy represents the highest standards of embroidery artistry.

In 2024, I continued my education at École Lesage in Paris and further expanded my knowledge with Lesage-trained embroidery artist Iby Lippold. These experiences allowed me to refine my technique and deepen my understanding of Haute Couture embroidery traditions.

From 2026, I offer online hand embroidery courses focus on Haute Couture techniques, including Luneville embroidery. In addition to teaching, I create one-of-a-kind embroidered jewellery pieces and accessories. Each design is handcrafted with patience and precision.

My inspiration comes from antique artworks, and the elegance of Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture and design. I draw constant inspiration from the heritage of Haute Couture, shaped by visionary designers such as Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Karl Lagerfeld—whose work continues to define elegance, innovation, and timeless style.

For me, embroidery is more than decoration—it is a form of storytelling through texture, detail, and time. Through my work and my online embroidery classes, I aim to preserve and share the beauty of traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary way.