http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/23/features/rlesage.php On the dwindling numbers of craftsmen working in haute couture. “Since the 1920s, when there were about 10,000 French embroiderers, the population has shrunk to about 200, Lesage said.” Some of it does seem unnecessarily inefficient: “… it is common for Michel to send a hat to Lesage for embroidery and then to Lemarii for plumes and petals.” (Oh! to work in plumes and petals!) 23:55