Chanel Alterations Specialist
- Location
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Posted
- Mar 30, 2026
About Chanel
Chanel is an iconic French luxury house renowned for haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories and fragrance. The brand maintains dedicated ateliers and a global retail network where artisanal savoir-faire, exacting quality standards and discretion define the workplace.
Chanel seeks an Alterations Specialist in Geneva to perform couture-level alterations and repairs in the brand's atelier.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute high-end garment alterations and bespoke adjustments on couture and ready-to-wear pieces to Chanel quality standards.
- Perform precise hand-sewing, finishing and detailed repairs using couture techniques (invisible hems, hand-basting, pad-stitching, hand-applique).
- Conduct fittings with clients or store teams, translating fitting notes into pattern and construction modifications.
- Interpret patterns and make pattern adjustments to preserve garment silhouette and design integrity.
- Operate and maintain domestic and industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment and hand tools to deliver flawless finishes.
- Collaborate closely with in-house ateliers, production teams and store personnel to manage turnaround times and deliver exceptional client service.
- Record alteration specifications and maintain meticulous documentation of work in progress and completed jobs.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification in tailoring, couture, dressmaking, or an equivalent apprenticeship.
- Deep knowledge of couture hand-stitching techniques and garment construction.
- Expert understanding of a broad range of fabrics (silk, wool tweed, lace, leather) and how construction choices affect drape and wear.
- Excellent eye for detail, steady handwork and commitment to impeccable finishing.
- Discretion, client-focused attitude and the ability to work within fastidious luxury retail/atelier environments.
Skills
Experience
Several years (typically 3+ years) of practical experience in alterations within a couture or luxury ready-to-wear atelier; proven history of working on high-value garments and delivering couture-level finishes.
Education
Vocational diploma or apprenticeship in tailoring, dressmaking or equivalent professional training; formal couture training preferred.
Workplace
The role is situated in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Culture
Chanel values artisanal excellence, preserving traditional couture techniques while operating in a modern global business. The workplace emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship, collaboration between ateliers and retail teams, and discretion when working with high‑value client garments.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Chanel, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Tailor», «Couture Alterations Specialist», «Seamstress / Tailor», «Garment Finisher», «Alterations Technician», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.