Bruges entrepreneur creates garments for Notre-Dame reopening celebration
For the grand reopening celebration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bruges entrepreneur Marc Schotte's company Arte Houssard, crafted 260 stoles. These long, narrow scarves worn by clergy were commissioned by the Parisian archdiocese.
The festivities begin on Saturday with a large concert in Paris, followed by the consecration of the main altar on Sunday by the Archbishop of Paris. This ceremony will host approximately 170 bishops. "It is a unique honour to be able to show our clothing when all the eyes of the world are focused on Notre-Dame," said Schotte, reflecting on the significance of the event.
Arte Houssard produced 100 stoles for the canons and 160 deacon stoles for the occasion. "We received this order from the Archdiocese of Paris. We have contributed to large celebrations in the past," Schotte explained.
© Arte Grossé
Notably, Arte Houssard has an impressive history of high-profile contributions. The company recently supplied the Pope's robe for the open-air celebration at the King Baudouin Stadium in Belgium. "That event will stay with me in particular," Schotte remarked, "because we were able to work with couturier Jean-Charles de Castelbajac again. He designed a modern stole in off-white fabric, with a gold-coloured cross and colourful accents."
The reopening of Notre-Dame is set to capture global attention, with Arte Houssard playing a pivotal role in ensuring the celebration is both elegant and memorable.
Notre-Dame was severely damaged by a devastating fire on 15 April, 2019. The blaze, which broke out beneath the roof, destroyed much of the wooden framework known as the "forest" and caused the iconic spire to collapse. Although the main structure and many valuable artefacts were saved, the fire left the cathedral in need of extensive restoration.
#FlandersNewsService | Preparations for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. 5 December, 2024.
© PHOTO LIONEL URMAN / ABACAPRESS.COM
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