Helene was born in Paris, France and trained as a dress designer. For 30 years she had a shop in Kingston, Ontario making her made-to-order dresses, coats and suits. Her speciality was creating wedding gowns and evening gowns. Helene learned to knit when she was 5 years old and was very happy to pick it up again after she retired. For Eclection she creates beautifully coloured shawls and hats in intricate designs.