I was very happy with the alterations Kim did on my cocktail dress, which required some serious hand stitching ($24 for hemming). Although I've only sent one thing her way, she has definitely won me over with her cool (read: zen-like) professionalism - not one extra word is uttered if unnecessary. I also like that she falls into her own category, nothing as extreme as the clothing reconstruction stylist/designer from "renovate my wardrobe", but just a subdued and efficient craftsman. There's none of the 'i-know-it-all' attitude, or worse, the wide-eyed 'what-impossible-thing-do-you-want-me-to-do-with-this-dress-again?' look that one often finds in an old seamstress. Kim is young, probably in her 30s, and you get a sense that she understands and appreciates the cut and fit of more modern garments, which is important if you need alterations done on a contemporary designer piece. My ultimate test for her would be this coat I bought several years ago that is in desperate need of alterations. It's been hard for me to leave it in the hands of anyone since the piece is a bit complicated, avant-garde, and has some sentimental value attached. I'll report back on progress.

I found out about Studio Kim from the forums here on CA and based on that glowing recommendation, (thanks Samuraiya!) I decided to entrust Kim with a delicate Gsus top with lots of hand sewn detail on it. I only needed the straps shortened so it was a relatively easy task, but the top is quite fragile and I didn't want to leave it just anywhere.

When I arrived, the tiny shop was packed. A bride came in with a slew of bridesmaids who needed their dresses altered. The owner, Kim is a sweet soft spoken woman who is not easily ruffled. She efficiently handled all of us one after the other, with the ease of a pro who knows what she's doing. Despite the crammed rows of clothing behind the desk, Kim is totally organized. When I came to pick up my top it was perfectly altered and carefully placed in a drycleaning bag. She charged me $8. I noticed a glitzy sequined jacket hanging on the rack and she explained she was commissioned to make an Elvis costume for someone. It was quite impressive. From other reviews I have read about her she is quite an accomplished seamstress.

If you are looking for someone to trust with your expensive clothing for alterations or to get something tailor made, Kim would be my first recommendation.