We welcomed fashion influencer and long-time The Zip Yard customer, Nicoletta Mirachi, to her local Zip Yard store in Chapel Allerton, Leeds so she could tell others about the reasons why she loves to restyle, tailors and repair the pieces from her sartorial wardrobe.

Name: Nicoletta Mirachi

Instagram handle: @nicoletta.mirachi

How would you describe your style? Minimal, simple and classic. 

When did you start having your clothes tailored and altered? 

Since I can remember.

Why did you start having your clothes altered / tailored (what were the main reasons?) 

I’ve always struggled with clothes being too big.

How do you feel when you’ve had your clothes altered / tailored (more confidence, more polished)

It feels very nice because I get to wear something that I like. Most of the time it is new items which I buy and can’t wear until I have them altered, although I have had numerous items I love repaired in order to extend the life of them.

What was the first repair or alteration you had done?  Can you remember what clothing it was on? 

It probably was a pair of trousers because I’m not that tall and they always need shortening.

When did you first start using The Zip Yard and why did you choose them?

I think it was about 6/7 years. It was my partner who found Zip Yard and was amazed by the incredible quality and work that the seamstresses do.

Why do you think it’s important that people consider having their clothes altered, repaired or restyled? (sustainable style, looking after clothing, loving what you own, adding confidence to how they feel etc)

I think it’s important to give a second life, by altering or repairing, to pieces that we have in our wardrobes and love! Getting items altered also allows people to buy things that they like but might not fit perfectly (which is usually my case).

What is the most common alteration you have done on your clothing?

Shortening dresses and trousers. And tightening trousers around the waist.

What are some of your favourite pieces that you have had altered?

The trousers that were altered by Zip Yard in the last few months. 

Why do you return to The Zip Yard over other tailors / alterations services? 

Because the seamstressing is impeccable, they are simply really good at what they do! 

How do you find the service you receive at TZY? 

The service is 5*. The staff are always very nice and very accommodating. Having large fitting rooms in store means I’m confident about what the finished result will be. The seamstresses are experts at what they do and everything I’m yet to collect something that isn’t exactly how I want it.

What would you say to someone who is considering having their clothing altered? 

Without question it would be to use The Zip Yard. I have been doing that already!

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You can find your nearest The Zip Yard store, here. 

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