Alterations Specialist

Overview

Chanel is a globally renowned French maison celebrated for couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, and haute joaillerie. As an employer, the brand is distinguished by its artisanal ateliers, exacting standards of craftsmanship and discretion, and a commitment to nurturing skilled artisans who support a luxury retail and bespoke client experience.

Role & Responsibilities

• Execute precise fittings and alterations for couture and ready-to-wear garments to Chanel standards, including eveningwear, tailored pieces and delicate fabrics.
• Perform hand finishing and machine work—reworking hems, seams, linings, and closures—while preserving original garment integrity and finish.
• Collaborate closely with boutique sales and client advisors to schedule fittings, communicate technical needs, and advise clients on fit and alterations timeline.
• Maintain an orderly atelier: inventory patterns, supplies and equipment; perform routine machine maintenance; and ensure garments are returned pressed and presentation-ready.
• Apply couture techniques such as hand basting, invisible stitching and delicate beadwork adjustments when required.
• Document alteration instructions, measurements and job status accurately in the boutique’s client or alterations log, maintaining client confidentiality at all times.

Qualifications

• Proven professional tailoring/alterations experience within luxury fashion, couture houses, or high-end bridal/evening wear.
• Demonstrable mastery of couture hand techniques and industrial sewing-machine work, with the ability to work on delicate fabrics (silk, lace, beading).
• Excellent client-facing skills, discretion, and the capacity to collaborate with sales teams and private clients.
• Strong time management, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize a fluctuating alterations schedule.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Skills

Experience

Typically requires 3+ years of hands-on alterations or tailoring experience in luxury retail, couture ateliers, or specialist bridal/evening-wear workshops. Experience with couture finishing and client-facing fittings is strongly preferred.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; formal training in tailoring, garment construction, or completion of an apprenticeship in tailoring/alterations is preferred.

Culture

Chanel’s workplace emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship, refinement and discretion. Staff operate within a collaborative boutique and atelier environment where technical excellence, client care and respect for luxury materials are paramount.