TAILOR PROFILE SERIES VOL. 6 WITH JIMMY ALMARAZ
Community /
December 2021
This series follows Levi’s® Tailors from around the world–highlighting their craft, passions, love for the brand and the impact they have on bettering the planet through extending the life of your garments. In Vol. 6, we interviewed Jimmy Almaraz from Miami.
MEET JIMMY ALMARAZ
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON THE JOURNEY WITH LEVI'S®?
I am a Tailor based out of Miami, FL and am coming up on 2 years in this role. I was hired for our Miami Pop-Up install that was launched during Art Basel in 2019. It was an incredible time to start with the brand.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE YOU HAVE CREATED FOR A CLIENT?
I love a good repair story. One of my clients had a pair of his father’s old jeans and wanted to repair/alter them to fit his body. His dad had passed away recently, so he wanted something he could wear to be close to him. I was able to repair the crotch, use patchwork repair for the knee, and alter the waist to make it a perfect fit. This was memorable experience for my client, and I was happy I was part of his Levi’s® journey.
SINCE SUSTAINABILITY IS A CORE VALUE IN THE WAY YOU WORK, CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT HOW YOU BRING THIS TO LIFE IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY?
I try to find different ways of using recycled fabric or garments that just don’t fit right or sit in the back of the closet. Adding a personal touch to a garment gives it new life and out of landfills. For example, I didn’t want to throw away my mom’s old blanket, so I made it into a coat with elongated sleeves. I share this story with a lot of my clients, hoping they are inspired to create something special to pass on to a loved one.
WHAT ARTIST/MUSICIAN/CRAFTSPERSON INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE?
Martin Margiela because he pushes the boundaries of modern fashion, all while creating unique experiences. I love creating one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate a client’s individual style, but also makes a statement.
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY AS A TAILOR?
Garment reconstruction and upcycled custom pieces. Recently I reconstructed a pair of old Levi’s® that were on the way to the landfill because of a ripped seat, pocket(s), and crotch. I was able to reconstruct the garment into a wearable pair of jeans for my client. They left happy because they bought them in Europe on vacation 13 years back.
I encourage clients to buy staple pieces to have in their wardrobe for generations to come and not be shy about repairing a little ripped crotch or pocket seam.
HOW IS YOUR WORK INFUSED WITH OUR BUY BETTER. WEAR LONGER. CAMPAIGN?
I encourage clients to buy staple pieces to have in their wardrobe for generations to come and not be shy about repairing a little ripped crotch or pocket seam. A small alteration can also make an old favorite that might not fit become their new favorite again. Who doesn’t love a perfect fit? I am also a big Levi’s® “thrifter”, which gives old jeans a new life.
YOU ARE KNOWN AMONG THE TAILOR COMMUNITY FOR UPCYCLING CUSTOM LOOKS LIKE NO OTHER. CAN YOU EXPAND ON THAT AND SHARE HOW THAT RELATES TO YOUR SUSTAINABILITY VALUES?
I love an upcycled moment. Creating custom garments from recycled garments/fabric scraps for clients is one of my favorites! I turned a pair of Levi’s® shorts from when I was a kid into a custom vest and repurposed all components of the garment. It is cool to see the untouched fabric behind the pocket see new light against the faded part of the garment. It gives it a nice detail, otherwise unnoticed without upcycling it.
