TAILOR PROFILE SERIES VOL. 16 WITH HEATHER ROBERTS
Style /
September 2022
This series follows Tailors from around the world–highlighting their craft, passions, love for the brand and the impact they have on bettering the planet through extending the life of your garments. For Vol. 16, we interviewed Heather Roberts from Boston, MA. This volume explores Heather’s craft through mixed media inspired by and for her love for the local Boston community.
MEET HEATHER ROBERTS
Tell us about your journey with Levi’s®?
I remember thrifting jeans as a teenager and one of my favorite pairs was Levi’s® that I added flare panels to - this memory is also of me sewing for the first time too. When you create something that is really yours - made by you; it is you. I still have my dad’s orange tab trucker from the early 70's, he sewed a floral cross stitch appliqué onto the collar and I always thought it was the best trucker because it was one of a kind.
Currently I work for Levi’s® as a Tailor, leading our Boston Market with Seaport, Hingham and Lynnfield all providing a wide array of offerings, I am able to service the Boston community in a big way.
Can you share your connection to art?
There was a time in my life where if I didn’t totally love something I would change it - like painting sneakers to match an outfit. It makes sense that I am a Tailor now because it combines achieving the most personalized fit with also being creative and bringing my individual style to the table.
Is there an Artist that has influenced you or your craft?
For me, Boston has this dichotomy that has always resonated with me - it is a historic city with a long relationship with textiles - from weaving, dyeing and manufacturing to being a hub of ever-growing technology and design. Just walking around I am inspired by architectural details of the old juxtaposed with an entire timeline of the city that still survives. This is a city of brick, then glass, then steel and a city of green parks and public spaces. You feel that all when you’re here. As far as an artist that has inspired me, Elsa Schiaparelli makes it to the top of my list. Her surrealist work inspires me to think outside the box. As an artist, I need that form of inspiration to push boundaries and Elsa is that outlet for me.
For me, Boston has this dichotomy that has always resonated with me - it is a historic city with a long relationship with textiles - from weaving, dyeing and manufacturing to being a hub of ever-growing technology and design.
Tell us about some of the pieces designed for Levi’s® Seaport Store opening?
My collection uses the lines around us to connect us. From being outside on runs and walks, commuting, and just keeping my eyes open for the details. I thought about the impressions and memories I have with Boston - from working here in college to how the city has shifted and expanded since then - what are my favorite places and experiences here and what connects them. Some are literal places while others are part of my moments here and the threads that join.
You are well known for painting art on denim in Boston. What inspired you to start that process?
Painting is a medium where I feel inspired to make art. I view what we do as tailors as creating wearable art. I always want the wearer to feel their best, so painting art on denim allows me to tell a story. In my shop, I am able to connect with clients on a deeper level and form trust. Trust allows me to turn their ideas into art - which means a lot to me.
What are some other ways you bring new life to denim in the Tailor Shop?
In the stores I work in, everyone is creative so there are always new ideas to think through and figure out. While repairing is a great option to extend the life of any garment, there are a number of stylistic approaches we can take, from colorfully accenting and extenuating to more conservative approaches within repairing. It really depends on the person and what speaks to them. I also like repurposing and have been using hem and leg scraps to weave an entirely new fabric - so really, we are only limited by what materials are available at the time. Once customers come in and they see how we’ve repurposed and redesigned garments, they think how jeans that might have been sitting in a closet or in the back of a drawer could finally have a new life. You can make anything out of an old pair of jeans - a new top, a wallet, a pillow - really what do you need is the question?
What music moves you?
Always The Cure, Bjork, Tycho, Lane8, Embrz, Bat for Lashes, Above & Beyond - more buoyant vibes or independent radio like KEXP. Music keeps me moving, inspired, and in a mood to create.
I view what we do as Tailors as creating wearable art. I always want the wearer to feel their best. We are all connected through clothing. If I can help someone express themselves more fully then I am doing my job.
