Couture Alterations Tailor
Chanel in Paris seeks a Couture Alterations Tailor (Couturier Retoucheur) to perform haute couture alterations and fittings in the Paris atelier.
Overview
Chanel is a world-leading French luxury house renowned for its haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories and beauty lines. The brand places exceptional emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship, atelier savoir‑faire and exacting quality standards; as an employer it seeks experienced artisans who uphold the Maison's heritage while contributing to a culture of refinement and discretion.
Role & Responsibilities
- Perform precision alterations and couture-level repairs on haute couture and ready-to-wear garments, respecting Chanel’s finishing standards and techniques.
- Execute fittings, take detailed measurements and propose technical solutions to achieve perfect silhouette and comfort for clients.
- Apply advanced hand-sewing and couture finishing techniques (invisible hems, hand‑stitched linings, hand‑sewn buttonholes, pad stitching) to complex constructions and delicate fabrics.
- Alter patterns and adjust garment construction while preserving original design intent and couture proportions.
- Collaborate closely with the atelier, client advisors and production teams to manage timelines and maintain client confidentiality.
- Inspect and perform final quality control on altered garments, ensuring flawless presentation and adherence to brand standards.
- Maintain atelier equipment and tools, and pass on technical knowledge to junior team members when required.
Qualifications
- Vocational diploma or certificate in tailoring, couture or equivalent professional training.
- Proven technical mastery of couture hand‑sewing and finishing techniques.
- Deep knowledge of fabrics, linings and couture constructions (silk, wool, tweed, delicate embellishments).
- Strong eye for fit, proportion and finish; exceptional attention to detail and manual dexterity.
- Discretion, professionalism and experience working with high‑value garments and clientele.
Skills
Experience
Several years of hands‑on experience in couture alterations or as a tailor within a luxury fashion house or specialised atelier; demonstrable experience working on complex, high‑value garments and participating in fittings.
Education
Diploma or vocational qualification in tailoring/haute couture or equivalent professional apprenticeship.
Culture
The workplace culture emphasizes heritage craftsmanship, exacting quality and collective pride in artisanal excellence. Teams operate in a discreet, highly professional atelier environment where mentorship and technical transmission are valued and where every garment reflects the Maison's standards.