The internet is flooded with hacks and DIY cleaning tips for the occasional tear or stain. But how do you deal when you spill a coffee or cocktail on a skin tone gown—we’ll assume this didn’t happen at all at the Preview Ball!—or when those annoying scuff marks won't come off your light-colored stilettos or brogues? (How scuff marks seem to magically appear on expensive shoes deserves its own story.)
Who do you entrust your possessions with for expert-level intervention when baking soda, toothpaste, and willpower prove inadequate?
We turned to a few Manila-based fashion stylists and asked who they run to for their own cleaning, altering, and mending needs. Who better to consult than those who spend their days maneuvering through racks and chests of pulled and purchased clothes, shoes, and accessories for a living? Interviewing each at their own time, the similarity in some of their recommendations does not come as a surprise—Manila is a small town, after all—yet underscores a credibility that can’t be ignored with the establishments they've deemed best in class.
So, if a pricey frock is in dire need of pampering—or salvaging—or a vintage piece needs a little nip and tuck, look no further! The pros have spoken: You can entrust your beloved fashion treasures to these shops for some TLC.
The Best Dry Cleaners and Repair Shops in Manila, According to Stylists
Dry cleaning services
Jeeves: Premium Service For Your Premium Items
“Jeeves handles expensive, premium, delicate, and designer pieces well. They provide quality service and really take good care of your garments so there’s no need to worry about any damages.” - Danae Dipon, stylist to Kathryn Bernardo and Catriona Gray and wardrobe stylist for ads
“From silks, gowns, and suits to pieces from luxury labels, they do the job right!” - Patricia Coronado, costume designer and stylist to Maricel Soriano
“When in doubt, trust Jeeves. No, you cannot DIY a pizza oil stain removal on a hundred-thousand-peso silk gown, lining and all. Taking it to two mid-range laundromats will only turn it green, then blue, and even more stubborn. Just take the garment to Jeeves. Leaving it to [to their care] is one of the lessons I will carry with me all my life.” - Marbbie Tagabucba, stylist and lifestyle editor
“I first learned about Jeeves when I started to loan pieces from international luxury brands (like Off-White, Louis Vuitton & brands from Univers and Homme et Femme) for various shoots and projects. The brands and stores require me to have all the pulled pieces to be dry cleaned before returning to maintain their pristine condition. Jeeves in Makati has never disappointed me.” - Gian Gonzalez, stylist for editorial and campaigns
Au Beau Blanc: Quick and Reliable
“They do a good job, the pricing is okay, and [the task] is usually done in a week.” - Em Millian, co-stylist to SB19 and Jolina Magdangal
“[I go to Au Beau Blanc in Power Plant Mall] for all my everyday pieces that need regular dry cleaning, I go to them because they’re super fast and reliable” - Myrrh Lao To, stylist to Barbie Imperial and Julia Montes
Metropole: Filipiniana-Friendly
“Metropole handles the traditional terno as well as modern Filipiniana—think of Jorel Espino’s jackets or mixed weaves from I Am Lokal—very well.” - Patricia
Suds: Great with Rush Jobs
“They have very good services as well and have 24-hour rush dry clean service. I often go to their Kamuning branch.” - Danae
Alterations and Garment Repairs
“Alter Station has branches all over the metro but I always go to the one in Glorietta 4, Basement 1. Love how they make you wear the garments first and do markings before they proceed with alterations.” - Myrrh
“Alterations Plus offers same-day alteration for clothes that need to be altered ASAP and they do it well.” - Danae
“When a client has time for a fitting and the garment needs to be altered to exact specifications, we bring them to Alter To Fit in Mandaluyong or Alterations Plus in Glorietta.” - Em
“Take advantage of alteration services when you buy from stores like Rustan’s or Uniqlo. Some alterations are free of charge as this is part of their customer service.” - Patricia
Leather Cleaning and Repair
“Vintage Restore in Podium or Doctor Leather in Greenbelt — they do cleaning, repairs, and even leather recolor. Been going to them for years and they have handled all our items with care. Turnaround time depends on their load at the moment, but generally a reasonable wait based on the extent of servicing required.” - Em
“Always with Vintage Restore in Podium. They are magicians! You really know they handle your leather pieces with utmost care plus a lot more! I had one bag’s hardware replated from gold to silver and it’s really a fashion miracle “ - Myrrh
“Doctor Leather is the best for your beloved leather goods. You can just go to their website to chat with someone to make arrangements.” - Patricia
Jewelry Cleaning and Repair
“I have my fine bling restored, repaired, and redesigned by Ocampo’s Fine Jewellery. They have a goldsmith assigned in every branch. The best way to touch base with them is to chat via Instagram and Facebook.
But if you are a bit on a budget, Greenhills is the place to be! The jewelry merchants also help with jewelry repair. I don’t have a particular kiosk to suggest as there are many to choose from there. Until you already have a suki, it is best to stay at the shop and observe how they care for your jewelry.” - Patricia
“For anything beyond DIY, we only bring fine jewelry to JJ Jiao in Raffles (she’s usually at the shop herself, but do ask for Ms. Faith). Together, we have repaired jewelry, redesigned, replated, re-allocated stones, etc. JJ Jiao is very collaborative and highly skilled so I defer to her on her expertise.” - Em
“Jewelry is best maintained by a reliable jeweler and their artisans—so [I work with] JJ Jiao in Raffles Hotel, Makati. Luxury jewelry brands like Bvlgari and Cartier also offer after-sales maintenance services.” - Myrrh
“Chinatown Gold Center in Ongpin is the most accessible area for jewelry services for me. I knew early on about this iconic complex as my mom has been bringing me here to accompany her when she has her golds, diamonds, and stones serviced since I was a teenager. Not only does the two-storey building sell all kinds of jewelry, they can also do custom design, resizing, deep cleaning, polishing, restoring, and repairs. I often bring here my favorite silvers from Chrome Hearts, Ambush & Maison Margiela for servicing. It is definitely a one-stop center for all kinds of jewelry-related needs. Truly an OG!” - Gian
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