ERIN COX

I’m always reminding clients that if there’s a will, there’s a way—especially when it comes to reworking the pieces we already own. Sometimes it’s about pulling something out of the closet that’s been overlooked for years and giving it a new purpose. Why not transform a piece so it becomes something we can truly wear, rather than letting it sit in the closet simply because it carries sentimental value?

This client’s gorgeous mink stole had been in the family forever, and instead of letting it hang and drape as it once did, we reshaped it. First, we restored every section of the ripped fur—a delicate, meticulous process, but entirely worth it if you’re committed to preserving the piece. By folding the side panels in and hand-stitching them securely to the back, it transformed into a kind of capelet / bolero. A completely new silhouette, but still rooted in its history.

That’s the beauty of altering your clothing: with a little persistence and the right guidance, you can almost always create the fit and feeling you imagined.