Go bespoke this Eid!
We are living in an age of homogeneity. The markets are flooded with customary three pieces imported from either Pakistan or India, all of which have similar designs and colour palettes. While these pieces are undoubtedly beautiful and convenient, they are hardly one of a kind.
The risk of running into someone wearing the same outfit is ever present, not to mention that there is nothing exciting about wearing clothes that are ordinary, as well as being widespread. A lot of times buying pre-designed outfits may seem like the easy way out, but with a little creativity and inspiration, one can easily create an ensemble that will not only stand out, but will also be one of a kind. We are all different and unique in our own way, and designing customised outfits celebrates that diversity. Especially during the festive season when everyone is striving to stand out, a bespoke outfit elevates the style quotient to newer heights!
In order to create a bespoke outfit firstly one needs to have an idea. Drawing out the design on a piece of paper is a good idea, as this will be a good reference material. Next, the fabric for the outfit must be decided, as well as the colour palette. Places like Chadni Chawk, Gawsia, Banani Market and Pink City are chock full of beautiful, exciting fabrics among other places. Stock is updated regularly, and latest materials are readily available. After choosing the fabric, the design element of the outfit needs to be focused on. There are many options available in this regard. For screen and block printing, there are many places around Dhaka that cater to customised needs. Shops in New Market and Banani Market have beautiful designs and patterns that one can mix and match according to one's desire. For embroidery, Priyangon Shopping Center in Elephant Road is a resourceful one stop shop. In here one can get any work done -- from simple floral embroidery to zardosi, karchupi, baadla and heavy stonework among many others. However, one will have to plan ahead as these embroideries are all done by hand and take time to complete. If you want a glamorous outfit with lots of glitz and bling, this is the place to be! Most of these stores have lots of existing designs and patterns to choose from, but they are quite flexible and willing to work on customised designs. This place also has many stores selling different kinds of fabrics as well as embellishments, and is a must visit. Banani Market is another haunt that has stores specialising in different kinds of embroideries such as appliqué on tulle and muslin, shadow work and Chinese ribbon embroidery among other kinds. Using materials such as zari, pearls, stones and beads, these artisans create outstanding pieces that are bound to steal a few envious glances your way! Lastly, for custom tailoring, Gawsia, Priyangon and Banani market have tailoring shops which are more than happy to stitch your spectacular bespoke outfit to perfection. It pays to have a bit of time in hand for smooth results for all these services though, so hurry up, get those creative juices flowing and this Eid stun away the bespoke way!
By Sabrina N Bhuiyan
Photo: Star Eid Celebrations 2015/
Sazzad Ibne Sayed
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