Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About StudioLaBeauté

1 The studio is used 24 hours a day

While the studio is open for designers and deliveries from 8am to 4pm, Camal can be found working at any hour. The benefit of only sleeping 4 hours a night is the quiet time left for creativity. Just don't expect him to answer the phone or the door!

2 We always have a resident cat

For over 20 years, StudioLaBeauté has had a feline assistant in the studio. Our current mascot, Cacahuette, has been with us for 4 years. He was preceded by Mousse au Chocolat, The Dude, Pussicato & Pussifato.

3 Heidi was born in the studio

Having been in the studio since her first day, Heidi is an enthusiastic assistant. She even brings friends over for sewing lessons!

4 Even the price is custom

Pieces with our custom bespoke details are priced by the piece, no matter how many hours it takes to finish each one. With no two projects identical, we make a custom quote for each job rather than working from a set price list or hourly rate.

5 We have a billiard table at the studio

While billiards were only played on its inaugural day in the studio, 15 years ago, it has become the perfect design table. Bespoked by Camal, the black felt on the silver leafed table is a wonderful backdrop for samples and sketches. It even has custom hand beading on the pockets!

6 Our installer is a professional musician

Larry Gould has been our installer for over 10 years and has played many of our events. He even toured with Luba in the '80s. He currently plays guitar for the Errol Fisher Band at the Shangri-La Hotel on Wednesdays and in the Distillery on Thursdays.

7 Even the seamstresses go to the installation

Camal always goes to the installation to make sure that everything is perfect in the space. He finalizes curtain length after the hardware is put up. The team makes sure that everything is steamed and hanging properly. Custom details are even added on-site for an extra touch, like this beading on a leather flower on the inside hem of a little girl's curtain.

8 We can use up to six different artisans to fabricate the hardware on a single window

Brackets are custom welded by one and plated by another. We order specific one-piece flattened rings and blown glass rods from others. The detail of the hardware is a continuation of the curtains, designed to compliment the space.

9 Handmade doesn't mean we don't use machines

While all of our hems and pleats are sewn by hand, a hand operated machine is used in a detail like this butterfly. Still, it is entirely hand guided, giving the nuance that a programmed machine could never accomplish.

10 We never use templates or formulas

Everything we do is unique and needs to be calculated individually. This ensures that we get the best fit for the space and use the materials to their best advantage. Therefore, we start with custom quotes and tailor the jobs to fit the particular needs of the client.

Did you know?

Pieces created by Camal have been exhibited in museums and art galleries.

Camal's work has been featured at The McMichael Art Gallery, the Windsor Art Museum and galleries in Yorkville, as well at fundraisers for the Textile Museum of Canada and the Gardiner Museum.

We regularly update our social media with activities from the workroom.

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