Chanel Alterations Specialist
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- May 12, 2026
About Chanel
Chanel is an independent, globally recognised haute couture and luxury maison renowned for its craftsmanship across fashion, accessories, fragrance and beauty. As an employer, Chanel emphasises artisanal savoir‑faire, rigorous quality standards and a client‑centric approach, maintaining ateliers and boutique workshops that preserve traditional techniques while supporting professional development within an exclusive retail environment.
Chanel seeks an Alterations Specialist in New York, NY (Madison) to deliver couture‑level fittings and alterations in a flagship boutique.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute couture‑level alterations, repairs and bespoke adjustments on high‑value garments, ensuring impeccable finish and structural integrity.
- Conduct precise measurements and multiple client fittings; translate sales‑advisor and client requests into executable alteration plans.
- Perform hand‑sewing, machine‑sewing and intricate finishing (hem work, lining adjustments, seam reconstructions, couture closures) across delicate fabrics including silk, lace and leather.
- Assess garment condition and recommend feasible interventions while safeguarding original design and provenance.
- Manage alteration workflow and timelines in coordination with boutique sales advisors and external ateliers when required; prioritise urgent client requests.
- Maintain and service alteration room equipment (industrial and hand machines, presses, cutting tools) and uphold stringent housekeeping, inventory and confidentiality standards.
- Perform quality control on completed garments before client release, documenting work and advising on care instructions.
Qualifications
- Professional training in tailoring, dressmaking or couture techniques (vocational diploma, apprenticeship or equivalent).
- Demonstrable experience working on couture or luxury ready‑to‑wear garments.
- Exceptional hand‑sewing and finishing skills, with advanced competence on industrial sewing machines and pressing equipment.
- Deep knowledge of fabric behaviour and techniques for delicate materials (silk, chiffon, lace, leather).
- Strong client service orientation with the ability to collaborate with sales advisors and preserve client confidentiality.
Skills
Experience
A minimum of 3 years’ professional alterations or tailoring experience, ideally within a couture house, atelier or high‑end retail environment, with a proven record of handling delicate and high‑value garments.
Education
Vocational qualification or apprenticeship in tailoring, dressmaking, couture techniques, or equivalent professional training.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in New York, New York, USA.
Culture
Chanel fosters a culture that prizes artisanal excellence, discretion and meticulous attention to detail. Employees operate within an environment that blends traditional couture craftsmanship with high‑touch client service and the rigour of a global luxury maison.
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 «Couture Alterations Specialist», «In‑House Tailor», «Garment Fitter», «Alterations Technician», «Tailoring Specialist», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.