Red Riding Hood Reimagined
Once upon a time, a sweet little girl wandered through the forest… but not this time.
In this reimagined tale, Red Riding Hood doesn’t fear the woods—she strides through them with bold confidence. No longer a naive girl, she is now a fearless woman: strong, focused, and alert. She won’t be tricked by the wolf, and she certainly won’t let danger come near her grandmother. With unwavering determination, she avoids the traps in her path and arrives safely at her destination, basket in hand.
This fresh, empowering take on a beloved fairy tale lies at the heart of Soutache Fairytales—a unique artistic project that brings classic stories to life through the intricate craft of soutache embroidery. The second edition, launched in autumn/winter 2022, presents Red Riding Hood as a symbol of strength, resilience, and self-possession.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
Conceived and designed by artist Urszula Łęczycka-Jeziorska, the project centers around a one-of-a-kind embroidered dress—viewable on her website. The story comes to life through photography by Jola Borysewicz, featuring model Urszula Clarise and makeup by Julia Karol. Behind the scenes, Urszula Twarowska, Monika Puchrowicz, and Zuzanna Pieńkowska coordinated and organised the project, with on-set assistance from Monika Puchrowicz and Jakub Jeziorski. The project website was developed by Martyna Jeziorska.
A total of 108 artists from across Europe joined forces to make this vision a reality. Each contributed two pairs of soutache elements that Urszula Łęczycka-Jeziorska added to the dress, bringing this collaborative work of art to life.
The Vision Behind the Soutache Dress Project
Soutache embroidery, known for its refined elegance and elaborate detail, is the perfect medium for retelling fairy tales. In this case, the technique mirrors Red Riding Hood’s evolution—her complexity, courage, and wisdom—woven into every stitch.
The resulting imagery is both enchanting and powerful: a woman standing in a misty forest, draped in a flowing red cape, holding a basket of apples. Her deep-blue gown, richly adorned with soutache embroidery, captures the spirit of fairy tales while celebrating the artistry of those who brought it to life.
To explore the full story and the artistry behind Soutache Fairytales, visit the official website.
This project is a celebration of collaboration, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Don’t miss Sleeping Beauty—another stunning costume from the Soutache Fairytales project.
