Aline Houdé-Diebolt – Paper artisan & designer

Corrèze – 1985

Aline Houdé-Diebolt is a paper designer and craftswoman who established her studio Aline HD in 2013. With a background in textile design from École Duperré, she has cultivated a distinct mastery of colors, materials, and patterns. Her craft is defined by an interplay of scales, ranging from miniature pieces to monumental creations.

During a six-month immersion at a traditional Chinese art institute at the end of her studies, she discovered and developed a deep passion for paper. Through her research, she refined her technique, experimenting and exploring the properties of paper to push its boundaries. From this exploration emerged a meticulous and colorful world that became her hallmark. She plays with the contrast between the sophistication of the craft and the universality of this timeless material.

Today, luxury houses value her savoir-faire, commissioning her to create designs and scenography for their window displays, events, and advertising campaigns. She also creates bespoke artworks for private collectors.

2026 – Prix Puvis de Chavannes

2025 – Academician, Fondation d’Entreprise Hermès – Paper Skills Academy

2024 – Laureate of the Prix des Artisanes – Design Category, Elle X LVMH

2018 – Laureate of the Fondation Banque Populaire – Fine Crafts Category

Research and innovation

Aline’s craft is guided by deep environmental values, integrating sustainability at every step of the creative process. Her studio operates on a zero-waste philosophy, transforming even the tiniest offcuts into new creations. She strictly sources sustainably produced paper (recycled, certified, or upcycled from luxury houses) and works exclusively with natural glues and eco-friendly dyes.

Transmission

Facing a lack of specialized papercraft training programs in France, Aline is dedicated to passing on her expertise. She regularly mentors interns from diverse backgrounds in her workshop. In addition, she actively empowers underprivileged youth, notably through her involvement in LVMH’s “You & Me” program and regularly leads workshops both in France and internationally.

Aline is now looking to establish a paper recycling process to create her own paper pulp while reducing her ecological footprint. She is seeking support from the Foundation to purchase key equipment: papermaking molds, felts, and a hand blender.