Seamstress
Chanel seeks a Seamstress in Toronto — skilled in couture construction, fittings and delicate fabrics for its luxury atelier.
Overview
Chanel is an independent French luxury fashion house renowned for its haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods and accessories, as well as beauty and fragrance lines. The brand is celebrated for its uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship and atelier savoir‑faire, offering artisans the opportunity to work at the intersection of heritage techniques and contemporary creativity.
Role & Responsibilities
- Construct and finish garments to couture and luxury ready‑to‑wear standards, using both machine and meticulous hand‑sewing techniques.
- Execute complex alterations and fittings, ensuring impeccable silhouette, balance and wearer comfort.
- Interpret technical sheets, patterns and mannequins; perform pattern adjustments and mark fabric accurately.
- Work with delicate and high‑value materials (silk, lace, tweed, embellished fabrics), selecting appropriate stitches and stabilisation methods.
- Deliver consistent quality through detailed inspection and correction of seams, hems, linings and embellishments.
- Collaborate with designers, patternmakers and atelier colleagues to meet delivery schedules and maintain confidentiality.
- Maintain and calibrate sewing equipment and keep work area organised to luxury atelier standards.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years' experience in couture, luxury ready‑to‑wear or high‑end tailoring; experience within a couture atelier strongly preferred.
- Proven proficiency in hand‑sewing couture techniques and machine operation for industrial and domestic sewing equipment.
- Demonstrable experience working with delicate fabrics and complex finishes; a portfolio or work samples is required.
- Strong eye for detail, excellent manual dexterity and the ability to sustain high standards under production timelines.
- Vocational diploma or certificate in fashion construction, tailoring or equivalent practical training is preferred; equivalent professional experience accepted.
Skills
Experience
At least 3 years' practical experience in couture or luxury garment construction, demonstrating advanced hand‑sewing, fitting and finishing skills within an atelier or high‑end tailoring environment.
Education
Diploma or certificate in fashion construction, tailoring or equivalent vocational training preferred; equivalent on‑the‑job experience accepted.
Culture
The workplace emphasises artisanal excellence, discretion and rigorous quality standards. Colleagues operate within a collaborative atelier environment that values heritage techniques, continuous refinement of craft and respect for the brand's refined aesthetic.