Queer Builds Mission Statement:
Jez Insalaco, Queer Builds Owner, is a queer Japanese-American costume designer, technician, costumer, and fine artist based in the Boston area. She has been working in the film & theatre industry for over a decade. Although by trade she is a costume designer, she has always considered herself a storyteller. She has spent her career understanding what narrative characters in a production wish to tell, and her craft is synthesizing how to communicate that story into a physical form through the costumes that are worn by those characters. Her focus & calling in the entertainment industry has always been sharing stories of those under represented in media, be it queer folk, people of color, etc.
This work has uniquely prepared Queer Builds for a people who have so many stories to tell.
Queer Builds hopes to set the world ablaze with the beautiful, expansive, complex, sometimes contradictory or fluid stories of real, and often under represented or misunderstood people, such as queer, gender-fluid, BIPOC, and disabled folk. Through one on one styling sessions, affirming alterations, reimagined wedding styling, or co-creation of custom clothing works together, Queer Builds hopes to empower those who just need a little guidance on how to start living their truth on the outside, through their clothing presentation. Clothing has an incredible power to be layered, fluid, temporary and to tell our truth as it changes day to day, moment to moment, without necessitating the use of invasive or permanent measures, which may be especially affirming to those curious about other ways of presenting but have financial or medical barrier or just a desire to have general fluidity in presentation. Queer Builds hopes to gives everyday people the tools to be able to live in the world as their most authentic self through affirming alteration services, styling services, and custom clothing build work.
Queer Builds hopes to represent so many things as an entity such as:
Builds* for Queer Folk
Queer Bodies
Queer Building of Community
Weird Clothing for Weird People <3
*a term used in the costume industry for custom costume work
🧵 New to Alterations? Here’s What to Expect:
If you’ve never had an alteration fitting before — welcome! Here’s a simple breakdown of what the process looks like:
⏱ Fitting Time:
Each fitting typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of items and the complexity of the work. Fittings are offered free of charge and occur at the Queer Builds studio space in Brighton.
👗 The Process:
You’ll try on the garment(s) you'd like altered, and we’ll look at them together in the mirror. You’ll describe what you’d like adjusted, and I’ll use safety pins to mark or pin the garment while it’s on your body. We’ll make adjustments collaboratively to reflect your goals.
Once we’ve confirmed the desired alterations, I’ll provide a quote based on my pricing sheet. From there, we’ll agree on a pickup date, and you’ll leave the garment with Queer Builds until it’s ready.
🧵 Turnaround Time:
Most alterations are completed within 1–2 weeks. If you need a faster turnaround, expedited services may be available — just let me know!
👚 Pickup & Final Fit:
We'll schedule a pickup! At pickup, you’re welcome to try on your garment to ensure everything fits the way you’d like. If any final adjustments are needed, we’ll discuss next steps.
📅Rescheduling Pickup?
If you for some reason miss your scheduled pick up time, you will need to arrange another pick up time within the next 30 days as Queer Builds does not have space for additional garment storage. Thank you!!
The following rates reflect the time, skill, and labor required for each type of alteration. These are general estimates, and exact pricing may vary based on the complexity of the garment.
✂️ STANDARD ALTERATIONS
Jeans / Casual Pants Hem: $25
Shirt Sleeve Hem: $25
Pant or Skirt Waist (take in): $40
Hem Shirt (Straight): $15
Hem Shirt ( Curved): $25
Take in Sleeve/Shoulders: $25-$40
Take in Torso: $40
👗 DRESS & SUIT ALTERATIONS
Modern / Casual Dress Hem (per layer): $45
Suit Pants Hem: $45
Suit Jacket Cuff Hem: $65
$100 flat fee may be applied to formal garments such as bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, evening gowns, etc. because of delicate and detailed nature of this work.*
🧵 Repairs & Adjustments
Repair Holes: $10
Add Buttonholes: $10
Fix Seams: $10
Fix Hooks, Eyes, or Buttons: $10
Ripped Jean Repair: Case-by-case; typically $10–$30
Add Suspender Buttons: $15
Replace Winter Jacket Zipper: $80
I’m committed to making my services accessible and equitable, especially for queer clients. If you're interested in working together but finances are a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to collaborate on a pricing structure that reflects both the value of the work and your financial situation.
Note: If specialty hardware or notions are needed (e.g. zippers, buttons, trims), those material costs will be added to the final total.
- Full payment is expected upon completion of services and the exchange of goods
-If expedited services are needed, expedited service fee may apply.
- If a client is unable to pick up their garment in person at the studio, full payment is still due upon delivery of goods
-Understand that additional fees may apply for extra sessions or adjustments beyond the scope of the initial appointment.
Preferred payment methods are Zelle. Venmo & Cash also accepted.
🧵✨ New to Personal Styling? Here’s What to Expect: ✨🧵
If you’ve never had a styling session before — welcome! If you are looking for style guidance but not sure how to get started, here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!
The best part? These options are available in person or virtually.
FASHION SHOW : Try on pieces from your closet, and I’ll offer suggestions to elevate the look — make it cuntier, bolder, more you 💅🏻🔥
Gender-Affirming Styling 🌈: Let’s explore ways to express your gender outside the binary!
Mini Hand-Sewing Lesson 🧵: Learn the basics — how to cuff sleeves or jeans, sew on a button or patch, and make simple repairs ✂️🧷
Silhouette Talk 👚: We’ll discuss what shapes and cuts work best to support your desired presentation ✨
✨Putting Together Fits ✨👖👕: I’ll help you build cohesive, standout outfits from what you already own or want to incorporate.
Thrifting/Shopping Together 🛍️🛒: Let’s hit the racks — virtually or in person — and find pieces that speak to you 🎯
Outfit Edits ✂️🤩: Bring a look you’re not quite sure about — I’ll suggest styling tweaks or easy adjustments to take it to its final form 🚀💥
💸🏳️🌈 Pricing & Accessibility
Enjoy a free 15-minute virtual consultation — a chance for us to meet, chat about what you're looking for, and explore how I can support you. We can discuss whether you’re interested in virtual or in person sessions then.
• 1-hour Personal Styling Session – $55
Please inquire for day rate options.
I'm committed to making my services accessible and equitable, especially for queer clients. If you're interested in working together but finances are a barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to co-create a pricing structure that honors both the value of the work and your financial reality.
💵 Payment
Full payment is due at the end of the session.
Tips are always appreciated, but never expected.
Preferred payment methods is Zelle. Venmo & Cash is also accepted.
✨ Custom Build Process ✨
If this is your first custom build — I’m so excited to create with you! I’ve broken down the process into simple steps so you’ll know exactly what to expect:
Step 1: Custom Design Consultation & Quote
We’ll chat about your vision, pull up inspiration photos, and I’ll sketch a custom design based on what we discuss. This can happen in person or virtually — whatever feels best for you.
Step 2: Measurement Fitting
We’ll meet at Queer Builds so I can take current measurements needed for the build. I don’t share these measurements with anyone — not even you — unless you specifically request them, in which case I’m happy to send them via email.
Step 3: Pattern Research & Mock-Up Planning
I’ll research and source the best patterns to match your vision, and create a plan to bring it to life. Then I’ll sew a mock-up (a test version of your design) to prepare for the first fitting.
Step 4: Mock-Up Fitting
You’ll try on the mock-up, and we’ll edit it — sometimes quite a bit — to finalize the shape, fit, and design before cutting into your actual fabric.
Step 5: Material Shopping
We’ll pick out fabric, trims, and materials either in person at a local store or online. Local shopping can be more affordable but has limited inventory, while online shopping opens up more options — just be mindful of shipping delays or unexpected differences between images and real-life materials.
Step 6: Garment Construction
I’ll build the final piece using your chosen fashion fabric and any other selected materials.
Step 7: Fashion Fabric Fitting
You’ll try on the nearly finished piece, and I’ll pin and mark any adjustments needed for a perfect final fit.
Step 8: Final Fit Check
We’ll schedule a final one-hour appointment to try on the completed piece. This is your chance to see how it all came together and make sure it feels just right. If any last-minute inspiration strikes (and it’s a quick fix), we can make small final touches in the moment.
At this stage, typical adjustments might include a small tuck or release in the torso, or raising the hem slightly — nothing major, just fine-tuning to ensure everything fits and feels amazing.
Step 9: Take Home Your Beautiful Custom Work!
If no further adjustments are needed, you’ll take your piece home at this appointment — ready to wear and celebrate! 🎉💃🏽✨
Need to Reschedule a Pickup?
If you for some reason miss your scheduled pick up time, you will need to arrange another pick up time within the next 30 days as Queer Builds does not have space for additional garment storage. Thank you!!
Custom Design Consultation & Quote: Complimentary — let’s chat about your vision!
🎨 Queer Builds Custom Design & Build:
Starting at $350 minimum 🏗️
This service includes:
🧶 One ✨custom✨ design sketch made just for you
📐 Pattern research & creation to bring your idea to life
📏 Personalized measurement fitting
🌈 Expert labor by a queer maker
🧵 Three one-hour fittings to ensure a flawless fit:
👕 Fitting with a mock-up (test garment)
👗 Fitting in your chosen fashion fabric
✔️ Final check fit with any needed adjustments
Please note:
🧵🧷 Materials (fabric, trims, notions, hardware) are not included in the base price. These costs will vary depending on your selections and the amount needed. We'll collaborate to choose options that match your style and stay within your budget.
💌Accessibility Commitment💌
I'm dedicated to keeping my services accessible and equitable—especially for queer clients🏳️🌈💞.. If you'd love to work together but have financial concerns, please reach out. I’m always open to co-creating a pricing structure that honors both your financial reality and the value of this work🌟🤝.
💵 Payment
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the custom build fee is due upon the measurement fitting (our first meeting after the initial consultation) . The remaining balance is due upon completion of services.
Tips are always appreciated, but never expected.
Preferred payment methods are Zelle. Cash orVenmo is also accepted.
Due to the nature of custom build work, I may need to make direct contact with your garments while they are on your body. This helps ensure an accurate and affirming fit.
I am committed to engaging with you in a trauma-informed and respectful way. I will always do my best to communicate clearly about where and why I may need to engage with certain areas of your clothing and body. Your comfort and consent are a top priority, and I welcome any guidance on how I can best support your boundaries throughout the process.
If there are any areas of your body where you would like me to exercise extra care and caution during the alteration process, please feel free to share those preferences here. If you would prefer to discuss this in person, you can indicate that as well. Creating a safe, respectful, and affirming space for all clients is a core value of Queer Builds, and your guidance helps me honor that commitment.
I don’t believe in “pushing through” discomfort when another option might be available. Your experience matters, and I take your feedback seriously.
Feedback is welcome at any point — before, during, or after our session together. I deeply value both affirmations and constructive input. If something about our time together felt especially good, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! 💕
If at any point I say or do something that feels uncomfortable, unsettling, or doesn’t affirm your identity, I invite you to let me know — ideally in the moment, if that feels accessible to you. This gives me the opportunity to pause, check in, and make adjustments as needed. I want you to feel safe, seen, and supported.
By Public Transit:
Queer Builds is within walking distance of the Sutherland Road stop on the Green Line (B branch) and the 86 Bus stop.
By Car:
During the day, there is typically ample street parking, including visitor and Allston-Brighton permit options. In the evening, parking can be more limited, but I have access to a rented parking spot in a nearby lot—just a 3-minute walk from the building. If you’d like to use this space, please let me know in advance.
Disability Parking:
There is a designated handicap parking spot directly across the street from the building that is usually available for those with a valid disability parking tag.
Building & Studio Access:
The studio is located on the 3rd floor of a walk-up apartment building (no elevator), so access is via stairs only.
There are no pets or plants in the studio. I use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to keep our shared air space clean as well as to relieve allergies.
Changing Areas:
You’re welcome to change in the private bathroom (with a door) or in the fitting area.
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please feel free to share them—I'm happy to work with you to find a solution.