Customizing a garment or any pre-made item can be as simple as using a waterproof marker to write one’s name or initials on it. It’s a way to stand out from the crowd even if doing so might come across as rebellious, defiant.
At the newly opened Levi’s store in Greenbelt 5, customization gives customers a creative way to express themselves. This is instantly apparent upon entering as the penned-in work area, Levi’s Tailor Shop, is positioned at the middle of the store.
“This flagship store represents a major milestone for the brand as it is the first with this concept in the region, and only the second in Asia after the one in Sapporo, Japan,” said Louella Scott, general manager of Vogue Concepts.
As the distributor’s largest store, it carries many of the denim brand’s styles including the more premium ones.
“We have the ‘Made in Japan’ Blue Tab line as well as Levi’s Vintage Clothing. There are also shrink-to-fit options that conform to the wearer’s body after soaking, ensuring a truly personalized fit,” Scott said.
The literal core of the store, however, is the Levi’s Tailor Shop, where customers can have their denim customized to their specifications. A range of patches is available, including site-specific designs such as a jeepney with a Greenbelt Makati signboard, the tree-lined corner of De la Rosa and Legazpi streets, and a scene inspired by one of the city’s Sunday markets.
There are other ways to personalize one’s denim at the store including distressing certain portions of the fabric.
“We offer embroidery services and even paint some pieces by hand,” Scott said.
The store also has an ace up its denim sleeve in master tailor Tristan Rimorin, who is recognized for his artistry in customization. For him, customizing clothing goes beyond embellishment.
“We do a lot of garment resizing such as reshaping a loose-fitting 578 to a slim 511 while preserving the seams and structural balance,” Rimorin said.
He and another tailor focus on tapering and managing waistlines to maintain comfort without altering essential proportions. This approach is especially valuable for clients who want to update well-loved garments for a more modern fit.
“Our primary goal is to provide solutions for customers, including those who have owned items for many years but have outgrown them,” Rimorin said.
Rimorin also gets to indulge in and show off his creative side with clients who want one-of-a-kind items.
“I’ve fused two denim pieces into one, and combined patches and distressing for a really well-worn pair of jeans. I also worked with a painter on a denim jacket that features a winged angel with the wings made of distressed denim fabric,” Rimorin said.
When he used to place some of the items he had worked with on display, people would come and in and offer to buy them. Rimorin had to tell them that these were already owned by clients who had come to him for customization.
“I add that they can purchase new items at the store and that I can work with them on customizing the pieces for a fee,” he said.