Tailoring and Alterations Specialist
1 day ago
New York
Job DescriptionDescription: ABOUT ETRO ETRO is a fashion house that has defined Italian style around the world since 1968. From research into textiles and attention to detail, ETRO creates luxury clothing and accessories for men and women, where passion for travel and sartorial tradition are the key concepts of every collection. SCOPE The Tailoring / Alterations Specialist is the guardian of garment excellence at the point of sale, ensuring that every Etro piece leaves the boutique fitting the client with precision, elegance, and the quality befitting the brand’s Italian heritage. Working in close partnership with the boutique sales team, this role is responsible for conducting client fittings, executing all levels of garment alterations and repairs — from basic hemming to complex structural adjustments — and upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship on all ready-to-wear, tailored, and special-order pieces. The ideal candidate brings a refined technical skill set, a deep appreciation for luxury fabrics and Italian construction methods, and the professionalism and discretion required to serve Etro’s discerning clientele. This person in this position will primarily meet the Soho boutique tailoring and alterations needs, but will be based in the tailoring workroom at the Madison boutique. They may be needed to support other alterations and tailoring tasks and ability to travel between both locations as needed, and willingness to supporting other tailoring and alterations tasks RESPONSIBILITIES • Perform all levels of garment alterations, including hemming, taking in and letting out seams, sleeve and trouser adjustments, relining, and structural modifications on both womenswear and menswear garments, • Conduct in-boutique client fittings with professionalism and discretion, accurately pinning and marking garments, and clearly communicating alteration options, timelines, and expectations to clients and the sales team, • Execute expert-level hand-finishing techniques appropriate to Etro’s luxury ready-to-wear, including slip-stitching, blind-hemming, hand-sewn buttonholes, and couture-level finishing on delicate and structured garments, • Work confidently across a broad range of luxury fabrics, including printed silks, cashmere, fine wools, double-face fabrics, jersey knits, leather, and embellished or beaded materials, applying appropriate techniques for each, • Repair and restore garments, including replacing zippers, reattaching buttons, mending torn seams and repairing tears, and addressing fabric damage in a manner that preserves the integrity and appearance of the original garment, • Interpret and execute alteration requests from the sales team and store leadership, consistently meeting agreed-upon turnaround times and quality benchmarks, • Maintain an organized and efficient alterations workspace, including proper equipment maintenance (sewing machines, serger, pressing equipment, hand tools) and accurate record-keeping of all in-progress and completed work, • Partner with the boutique team to manage the alterations workflow, communicating proactively about capacity, priorities, and any challenges that may affect client delivery timelines, • Support the boutique team during special events, trunk shows, and VIC appointments that require on-site fitting and tailoring services, • Uphold Etro’s standards of excellence in every interaction and every stitch, acting as a brand ambassador through the quality and care of the work produced Requirements: SPECIFIC SKILLS & CORE COMPETENCIES • Formal training in tailoring, garment construction, or fashion design (vocational school, atelier apprenticeship, or equivalent); couture or bespoke training a significant advantage, • Minimum 3–5 years of professional tailoring and alterations experience within a luxury fashion, high-end retail, or couture environment, • Expert proficiency in both machine and hand sewing, including advanced hand-finishing techniques (blind hem, slip stitch, hand-sewn buttonholes, fell stitch), • Demonstrated ability to work across a wide range of luxury materials: printed silk, fine wool, cashmere, jersey knit, double-face, leather, and embellished fabrics, • Strong understanding of garment construction across womenswear and menswear, including tailored jackets, trousers, dresses, knitwear, and outerwear, • Proven experience taking precise measurements and conducting professional client fittings, • Ability to accurately interpret alteration notes, pins, and chalk marks and execute to specification, • Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality that reflects luxury brand standards, • Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple alteration orders simultaneously and meet client deadlines, • Proficiency with industrial sewing machines, serger, blind-hem machine, and professional pressing equipment, • Knowledge of Italian tailoring techniques and construction methods a strong advantage given Etro’s heritage, • Experience with specialty alterations: beading and embellishment repair, leather seaming, and couture-level hand finishing, • Ability to work efficiently under pressure during peak retail periods, events, and market moments, • Collaborative team player who works seamlessly with the sales floor to deliver an elevated client experience, • Proactive and solutions-oriented; able to assess alteration feasibility and communicate options clearly, • Fluency in English required; Italian or other language skills a plus Professional demeanor and interpersonal skills appropriate for a luxury boutique environment This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. We are an equal-opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact HRUSA@Etro.com.
