NY Associate among Professionals Visiting Tailors Instead of Clothes Stores

Some tailors in Manhattan are reporting an increase in business as professionals decide to repair the clothes they have rather than buying new.

Several tailors told the New York Times that business has increased 20 percent since September.

One of those becoming more frugal during the economic downturn is Kim Simmonds, described in the article as a 26-year old corporate lawyer. Shearman & Sterling’s website lists Simmonds as an associate who works in mergers and acquisitions. The practice area has slowed during the recent economic downturn.

“As important as clothes are for me,” Simmonds told the New York Times, “meeting my rent and credit card payments and trying to get some savings for that rainy day now far surpasses any clothing habit.”

In one shopping trip, Simmonds had splurged and spent $2,000. She favored Theory clothes, Sigerson Morrison shoes and Burberry raincoats, the article says.

But no more. Recently she opted instead to visit a tailor who repaired the lining of a winter coat and fixed fallen hems on a skirt and pants.