Opian | 10 years, let's celebrate! |

10 Years of Opian: A Decade of Sewing Patterns

When I launched the first Opian sewing patterns in August 2016, I never imagined I'd still be in the home sewing market today. At the time, I had discovered independent brands and realised it was the perfect fit for me. I can handle every step of the process, from the initial idea to the finished product. No more mass-producing collections or making custom garments.

An adventure that has evolved a lot in 10 years

Initially, the brand started with sewing patterns for everyday clothing. I quickly moved into swimwear, which has become a true Opian specialty. At one point, I considered launching a swimwear brand, but creating them and seeing you sew and wear them is so much better! I'm often asked if a swimsuit isn't too complicated to sew, I hope I've managed to convince some of you over the years.

Little by little, the collection has grown, the size range has expanded, and blog articles have complemented the instruction booklets to better support sewists. Today, Opian offers around twenty patterns, technical resources, pattern-making advice, and exclusive sewing kits.

A brand that grows with life

These ten years haven't been a smooth ride. There have been very creative and productive periods, and others that were quieter. Some projects took much longer than expected, and other ideas remained just that, ideas. There have been times of self-doubt, career changes, and moments when I had to accept that the home sewing world was slowing down.

I don't talk much about the company's inner workings, but when I do, it's always with sincerity. You know that behind Opian, there isn't a large team, but just one person; no interns, no freelancers. After the initial idea, I design the models, draft the patterns, create the grading, instructions, illustrations, photos, website, social media, translation, shipping, and everything else you don't see.

The reality, especially in Switzerland, is that it's impossible to make a living solely from a creative project. You always need a day job. In my 20 years in the fashion and textile industry, I've seen dozens of people launch their brands and stop after two or three, or after the first collection, because it wasn't profitable.

So I chose to move at my own pace and decided to continue this project in a hybrid way instead of going all in and having to stop everything. It's the best option I've found and the one that suits me best.

What has never changed

Despite all the changes, some things have remained the same.

I still believe that a good pattern shouldn't become obsolete after just one season. I create timeless designs that can be sewn with a different fabric, renewing it and giving it a new life.

I also continue to champion thoughtful sewing, where you take the time to choose a fabric, understand a pattern, adapt a garment to your body shape, and appreciate the work involved.

This slow fashion philosophy remains the very reason for Opian's existence.

Thank you!

If Opian is celebrating its 10th anniversary today, it's thanks to you!

Thank you to everyone who has bought a pattern, sewn a garment, shared a photo, sent a message, asked a question, or simply followed this adventure from the beginning or just yesterday.

Seeing you wear the garments made from Opian patterns is the greatest reward for my work.

I also want to thank, and I can't thank them enough, the testers who participated in each test with so much motivation and dedication. Thank you!

Another thank you goes to my business partners (and more!) on this adventure: Bénédicte from Akikosmood who has been there from the beginning with these magnificent fabrics, Ana from Tissu & Co who invites me into her lovely shop and Vanina from Je Suis A Croquer who stocks Opian sewing patterns on her website.

Ten years is something to celebrate with gifts!

As every year, you can get discounts on:

• sewing patterns are 50% off with the code 10OPIAN10
• sewing kits are 20% off with the code OPIAN10KIT

But for this special anniversary, I wanted to go even further.

Throughout the promotion, also enjoy 50% off with the code 10OPIAN10 on:

• T-shirts
• Leather clutches
• Leather necklaces
• Fabrics

A great opportunity to discover other Opian creations, some of which are the last remaining examples of the brand's early ready-to-wear offerings.

And that's not all!

This year, I'm offering you not one, but two PDF patterns!

THE TSAVRE BODYSUIT

You may have already discovered TSAVRE a few months ago. This bodysuit basic block is now officially part of the birthday gifts and will be offered throughout the promotion.

THE DÔLE BODYSUIT

I also wanted to create a unique surprise. So I'm very happy to present DÔLE, a brand new PDF pattern.

DÔLE is a reversible bodice, tied at the waist with a drawstring. Its originality lies in its numerous cutouts, which encourage you to play with colors, materials, and especially those fabric scraps languishing in your drawers. This design was inspired by the lines of a futuristic robot, reinterpreted to create a graphic, elegant garment, ideal for special occasions. Each cutout allows for original combinations, making it possible to create a truly unique piece.

I hope you enjoy sewing it as much as I enjoyed designing it!

Please note, this offer is valid only today, August 5th (an extended August 5th to cover all time zones).

And now, let's get sewing, find birthday gifts, and celebrate the next ten years of Opian!