About Us
Paula was born from a remarkable encounter with a seamstress whose passion and expertise unveiled the richness and fragility of the exceptional crafts within the luxury industry. This inspiring woman opened our eyes to the importance of preserving and passing down these unique skills, which are true treasures of our cultural heritage. This realization marked the beginning of an adventure driven by a strong conviction: these crafts must not fade with time but continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
It is around this vision that a team was formed, composed of four business school students from KEDGE, IÉSEG, and ESCP, all united under the Women@Dior initiative. Fueled by a shared passion for fashion, the craftsmanship of luxury houses, and the legacy of women artisans, we created Paula to honour these exceptional talents and to empower younger generations to explore these essential yet often overlooked professions.
Our goal is simple: to celebrate and preserve this heritage while inspiring future generations to engage with these extraordinary crafts. We firmly believe that every young girl deserves the opportunity to discover and thrive in these professions of excellence, and that is precisely what we strive to achieve through this project.
Paula is not just a platform; it is an educational movement designed to give young girls worldwide the tools to access careers in luxury and craftsmanship. Through inspiring content, educational resources, and the stories of talented women, we highlight the contributions of female artisans while encouraging a new generation to embrace these exceptional crafts.
We have also established a mentoring program in partnership with specialized schools to create a supportive community for future craftswomen on their journey. This initiative not only helps preserve a unique cultural heritage but also empowers young women to realize their potential in these professions. We are convinced that education is the key to perpetuating and evolving the luxury industry, and we are determined to contribute to this positive evolution.
We are proud to be supported by Dior and UNESCO.​
Paula's team
Elise - Project Manager
As Project Manager at Paula, Élise oversees all operations within the Paula team to ensure the project’s vision translates into tangible actions. Her role is to coordinate efforts to maximize the impact and reach of this meaningful initiative.
Paula was born from an unforgettable encounter Élise had with a passionate seamstress. This meeting opened her eyes to the richness and beauty of the craftsmanship in the luxury industry. It sparked a profound conviction in her: these invaluable skills must be preserved and passed down to prevent them from being forgotten.
Through Paula, Élise aims not only to honor women artisans but also to inspire and empower younger generations. By fostering connections between these talented women and those aspiring to follow in their footsteps, she is determined to build a community where passion, creativity, and knowledge-sharing thrive.
Zoé - Communication Manager
As Communication Manager at Paula, Zoé develops and implements the visual strategy to enhance the project’s visibility and strengthen its image. Her role involves designing impactful campaigns that foster connections and create an engaged community.
Zoé joined Paula because she believes deeply in the importance of preserving and passing on know-how, especially in a world where women play an essential role in building the future.
For her, Paula is much more than a project: it's a mission that values unique talents, promotes education and gives a voice to those who, with passion and determination, shape an inspiring heritage
Mathilde - Partnerships Manager
Mathilde is Paula's Partnerships Manager. She coordinates collaborations with maisons, schools, and industry professionals, building strategic and lasting relationships that align with Paula's vision. She also oversees all digital platforms, from the website to the podcast, ensuring a seamless user experience that reflects the project's values and amplifies its mission. Driven by a passion for craftsmanship, Mathilde joined Paula out of admiration for the skill and dedication of the craftswomen whose artistry brings life to every detail. For her, their work embodies not only technical excellence but also a cultural heritage that must be preserved and celebrated. Through her dual role, she is committed to fostering connections and creating opportunities that honour these traditions while inspiring the next generation to engage with and sustain them.
Caroline - Publishing Manager
As Head of Publishing, Caroline oversees the creation and writing of Paula’s content, ranging from articles to podcasts, to convey the project’s vision and highlight its mission. Her role involves crafting an engaging and cohesive editorial line while ensuring the quality and impact of all publications.
Caroline joined Paula after numerous visits to ateliers, where she discovered a fascinating world of exceptional craftsmanship and the passion that drives women artisans. These encounters profoundly shaped her journey, making her realize the vital importance of preserving and passing on these unique professions.
What drives her most is education and transmission. She firmly believes that every young girl should have the tools to freely choose her future and explore her full potential.
Support and partners
The Paula project is supported by Dior and UNESCO through the Women @ Dior program, which aims to create an initiative that empowers young girls. In this context, Paula has emerged as a response to the need to celebrate and preserve the craftsmanship of women artisans in the luxury industry while providing learning and empowerment opportunities for younger generations.
With the support of Dior and UNESCO, Paula benefits from resources and expertise that enhance its impact. This partnership highlights the importance of education and knowledge transfer, enabling the project to reach a broad audience and inspire new generations to engage in luxury craftsmanship careers. By leveraging this initiative, Paula actively contributes to the preservation of a valuable cultural heritage and promotes it among young women aspiring to pursue this path.