New York City’s fashion designers have an army of experts behind the scenes ensuring their garments and accessories are flawless down to the last stitch. From skilled tailors to master cobblers, these artisans are the unsung heroes who bring designers' visions to life and keep their creations looking pristine. Recently, I chatted with top New York City–based designers, and they revealed the go-to professionals they rely on for everything from tailoring and alterations to shoe repairs and getting out the toughest stains.
These trusted specialists are the ones designers have on speed dial and who they call in to handle everything from last-minute runway fixes to personal wardrobe touch-ups. Each one is known for their craft, and their skillset can make the difference between a piece that’s good and one that’s exceptional. In a city brimming with fashion, it’s these artisans—often operating quietly behind the scenes—who help define what it means to be truly well-dressed in New York.
To ensure our recommendations were as polished as your precious wardrobe staples, I consulted an impressive lineup of fashion designers who know New York City inside and out. These tastemakers represent a spectrum of styles and neighborhoods, from Italian leather craftsmanship in West Village to it bags in Bed-Stuy, I can assure you that our list reflects the expertise of industry leaders. Let’s meet them.
First up is Marina Moscone, whose West Chelsea atelier is synonymous with exquisite tailoring and hand-draped luxury pieces that feel timeless yet modern. Joining her is Brandon Blackwood, a Bed-Stuy native and handbag designer whose It bags have graced everyone from Beyoncé to everyday fashion enthusiasts. Erin Beatty of Rentrayage brings her upcycling artistry to the conversation, creating one-of-a-kind designs from her West Village base. Rachel Scott, the CFDA’s 2023 Emerging Designer of the Year, infuses Jamaican-inspired crochet into her brand, Diotima, while bridging Chinatown and Bed-Stuy. Silvia Merati of Golden Goose, based in Brooklyn Heights, lends her expertise in Venetian leather craftsmanship, perfect for elevating your leather care game. Meanwhile, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, the dynamic duo behind Veronica Beard, reimagine versatile workwear from their Upper East Side home base. Rounding out the panel is Veronica De Piante, whose West Village designs embody Italian elegance and a commitment to quality over quantity.
Thanks to these incredible designers, we’ve curated a list of NYC’s finest dry cleaners, tailors, cobblers, and leather care specialists to help you keep your wardrobe in impeccable shape.
Best Shoe and Leather Repair
Leather Spa (28 John Street, New York, New York) and Yakub Shoe Repair (229 Sullivan Street, New York, New York)
"I go to the Leather Spa to clean and refresh the leather in my shoes and leather accessories, and I go to Yakub Shoe Repair for repairing my shoes. Leather Spa is quite fancy, and Yakub Shoe repair is old-school NYC. Both are great!" — Scott
Magic Joe Shoe Repair (500 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York)
"I've known these guys since I was 12. They're my neighborhood cobbler/shoe repair, and they've helped me on many brand-related projects when no one else could do the job. Tell them Brandon sent you, and he'll hook you up with a good price." — Blackwood
Jim's Shoe Repair (60 East 59th Street, New York, New York)
"This is a family-owned business since 1932, which goes beyond repairing shoes. Although they do specialize in that service, they also repair bags, jackets, and more. Any time I have needed to repair, resole, or restore a pair of shoes, or a bag or a leather garment, they have done the absolute best work. I would recommend this business to anyone in Manhattan looking to repair their items or bring them back to life. I have taken shoes to them that I thought were beyond repair, not wanting to let go of them, and each and every time I was never disappointed!" — De Piante
Golden Goose (468 Broome Street, New York, New York)
"Our Soho Forward location has in-house tailors and cobblers who repair and remake all of my footwear and garments. The services are offered for all brands and not just Golden Goose." — Merati
Leather Spa (28 John Street, New York, New York) — Beatty
Hector's Shoe Repair (11 Greenwich Avenue, New York, New York)
"This guy can do anything including dye a set of leather belts the night before a runway show!" — Moscone
Best Tailors
Teodoor Tailor (246 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York)
"They're one of the few places I'll have tailor my prized pieces. The attention to detail and care is next-level, and they work so fast." — Blackwood
Alteration Specialist (89 Fifth Avenue #901, New York, New York)
"Alteration Specialist has always been my go-to tailor, being a quick walk from my home in New York and having multiple locations. I've found it a convenient and reliable company. They are always so accommodating and honest. If they feel something will compromise the garment in any way, they will let you know. That is so important to me." — De Piante
Marina Moscone HQ (214 West 39th Street, New York, New York)
"I wouldn't dare take my clothes anywhere else in this town!" — Moscone
Alteration Concept (129 Perry Street Floor C, New York, New York) — Beatty
Best Dry Cleaners
Jeeves (1318 Madison Avenue, New York, New York)
"I trust them with the most difficult jobs and they never disappoint." — Scott
Hallak Cleaners (1232 2nd Avenue, New York, New York)
"Ask for Jack at Hallak Cleaners for tailoring." — Miele
Warely Wu Laundry (353 Waverly Avenue, Brooklyn, New York)
"I use them for my regular laundry pickup/dropoff, but they'll also pick up your pieces for dry cleaning and drop them back. I've had them remove red wine and makeup stains from several garments. They're the best." — Blackwood
Meurice Garment Care (535 Manida Street, Bronx, New York)
"My preferred dry cleaner, which offers pickup and delivery service in Manhattan. They perform quality work with a quick turnaround time. When I first moved to New York, I went through quite a few trial and errors, until they were recommended to me by a friend who works in a high-end brand." — De Piante
MBJ Dry Cleaners (176 West Houston Street New York, New York) — Beatty
Shop our favorite designs by the panelists:
