June 28, 2012

Cheat moves to find the right tailor / Kaaragir

Finding a perfect tailor is more difficult than finding a perfect guy!! Indian weddings will not work without a tailor. You should start building up rapport with your tailor as early as possible. An expensive tailor need not be a reliable one. DO NOT judge your tailor with a price tag.

Here is what I did to find the right tailor:
 

I tried 5 tailors with good reviews. My selections scattered from:
1.       High end blouse boutiques: Lady Pink, Ghatkopar
a.       Pros: They have lovely designs & deliver very high quality product. I must mention that even after so many trials and alterations, the final product was worth it.

b.      Cons: There is always a waiting period of more than a month to get anything stitched (This doesn’t bother too much coz they are exclusive). This place is 25 km away from my place. Every time I go there I spend about 500 Rs on the fuel (Yes you need to count all this if want to stay in budget!). The fitting is never perfect in one go! I ignored this for the first 2 times. But once I had to go there 6 times (instead of 2) for 2 basic blouses (That’s 3000 Rs smoked in the air : P). That’s when I stopped going here!
c.       Price: 1 basic blouse: Rs 800
2.       NIFT wedding wear designer: Casa des cala, Kharghar (near ITM)
a.       Pros: Designs looked appealing. When I first entered her store I thought she was the one! She knew what goes well with what.
b.      Cons: Lacked professionalism. The day I went for a trial (after a month’s waiting period), my material was lying untouched on the table. My guy got me a phulkari lehenga material (Full bhara hua) from Chandigarh. The final product only contained patches of the full worked material. I had to go to this place for trials at least a zillion times and observed that everybody was complaining.
c.       Price: Rs 2500 for the Lehenga
3.       Best buy tailor: VIBGYOR boutique, Vashi.
a.       Pros: Delivers on time. Perfect fitting in one go. Decent waiting period.
b.      Cons: You need to wait patiently coz Dimple always has customers lined up – That’s a sign of a good tailor I guess. The finishing of the product can be improved.
c.       Price: Rs 170 for a basic kurta. Rs 350 for a basic blouse.
4.       Next door tailor: SAVIO fashion, Kharghar
a.       Pros: He has hands on experience. Stitches everything exactly the way you ask him to.
b.      Cons: He blindly just follows what you ask him to do. Since you are not an expert, sometimes things can go haywire. He doesn’t know/stitch the latest trends/designs.
c.       Price: Rs 300 just for a fish cut lehenga.
5.       Tailor who sits outside big showrooms: Sec 17,Vashi
a.       Pros: Has the experience of handling delicate fabrics. Gives perfect fitting.
b.      Cons: You just don’t feel comfortable in giving your fabric to someone who doesn’t even have a store!
c.       Price: Just altered, never stitched anything from scratch.
Now, you would say that there is a lot of investment in trying out tailors. Here is how I stayed in budget while doing all this:
1.       I used all the mundane gifted dress materials lying in the house from very long
2.       I used my mother’s old/gifted sarees for the lehenga (Rich quality + 0 Value)
3.       I took 1 full cotton dress material and stitched 3 kurtas out of it. I wear them with the stretchable leggings to office. They have turned out to be really nice.
Here is what I did to find the right Kaaragir (Hand work artist):
To find one is really difficult & to find one in budget is nearly impossible. What you can do is:
1.       Ask any “Tailor who sits outside big showrooms” if he knows any hand work artists. You can always find the best ones in your city through this way.

2.       VIBGYOR boutique has a hand work vendor. I stitched a kurta (out of a plain salwar material) and had moti work done on the long neckline. His work was beautiful. The Kurta costed me about 1050 Rs in total but looks like a 2500 Rs ka kurta!!  The owner strategically refused to give me the vendors number but said she will arrange for whatever I want from him.
3.       Word of mouth: I have a few contacts recommended by friends’ friends’ friend which are tried and tested. So no gain in planning secretly. Bluntly ask people who you think might know someone.

Quality of a tailor will differ from person to person. For eg: You cannot generalize thinking all NIFT designers will be unprofessional. The motto of this post is to tell you that any tailor in the world will fit into the above 5 categories. You need to choose your best match!

58 comments:

  1. great write up :)

    There are good embroidery guys in Vashi main market. ( studied there for a while so have a rough idea )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? I just know one. mail me the address/nearest landmark if possible.

      Delete
  2. That's some great piece of info..Thanks a ton for sharing this.. :)

    where is VIBGYOR btw..

    and I badly need a tailor who sews dresses as in something like ruffled dresses,one shoulder, mid length dresses anywhere in Navi Mumbai at a decent price

    I knew a local tailor who did a fab job but he doesn't sew anymore so I am in a fix.. I have tons of material that I got from the Garden Sale last year but too scared to give them to someone who doesnt know how to sew well. :(

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    Replies
    1. I understand. VIBGYOR is near City Centre mall. Take the left on the junction opp city centre and then 1st right. Keep going straight you will see VIBGYOR on your right. or you can talk to Dimple/her husband on 9819996988. I am not sure if she can stitch ruffled dresses but I did a indo-western lehenga top from there with a noodle strap which was done pretty well.

      I am trying out a new tailor 'Sapna boutique' in the same lane. She seems to be technically sound I will ask her about the ruffled dress.

      There is a tailor who is good at making dresses in Nerul behind D Y Patil college.

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    2. Hi Aditi!! Could you please tell me the name of this Dress tailor behin DY Patil College.. and where is he located exactly!! Also, if you could help me with a few other tailors who can sew western wear in Navi Mumbai? Thank you so much!!

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  3. Great article and well on time!!

    Can you help me out with some references of good tailors in Delhi/NCR region? Please.. my cousin's wedding is in January and I am looking to get some salwar suits and blouses stitched.. Please help..

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    Replies
    1. I only know about tailors in Mumbai. But can guide you to the correct person who will help you. Try asking:
      http://thedelhibride.wordpress.com/
      or
      http://www.crazyindianwedding.com

      Both these girls are from Delhi. Hope you find the right tailor.

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  4. Thanks Aditi.. will check them out!

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  5. hi aditi,
    Do you know any tailor who does good alteration in Vashi or Navi Mumbai, i need to get my lehenga blouse altered properly, quite a lot of it will need to be opened and re stitched.

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    Replies
    1. The alteration tailor outside Sanskriti, Sec 17 is good and cheap. He will keep your stuff with him for a day at least. I have never altered a lehenga blouse but he did a good job on my suits.

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  6. Hi Aditi... Am looking for a good n reliable karigar in mumbai... want to get lehenga n few suits stitched with some detailing.. please let me no if u hav any idea...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Arunima, I have replied to your email. :)

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    2. Could you send the Mumbai karigar details to me as well on seena1587@yahoo.com
      Thanks!

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    3. can you please send me details of some good karigar in western mumbai , my email address is angelhearts96@yahoo.com

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    4. Hi Aditi,

      Even i need to get one lehenga designed, can you please help me with the details. My email id is archika.srivastava@gmail.com. Many thanks :)

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    5. Refer this post for fabrics: http://www.marathiweddings.com/2013/12/a-brides-must-visit-mangaldas-market.html

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    6. Hi Aditi,
      I know this may seem rather late, considering when this was posted. However, I would appreciate if you could send me the list of karigars to roshnisshetty23@gmail.com

      Delete
    7. Hi Aditi,
      Could you please send me the list of karigars at ums_17@yahoo.com please.

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    8. Hello Aditi and everyone else,

      seems like I'm at the right place. I'm from Canada and I'm looking for a good embroidery karigar and a trailor who can stitch lehenga, suits, anarkali etc. in Mumbai. I also want to know a good fabric shop where I can get the fabric. I have never been to Mumbai but want to start my business from overseas. I will be designing the outfits. please email me at pamjudge@hotmail.com

      Any help will be much appreciated.

      thank you so much

      Delete
  7. so so so very helpful!!!

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  8. Hey Aditi, I was looking for some lehenga designers in Mumbai(I stay in Santacruz)

    Out of curiosity does Lady Pink, Ghatkopar also stitch lehengas?

    Thanks,
    Bhavana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bhavana, I have seen girls with lehenga material in their studio. Let me check with them and come back to you.

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    2. Lehenga designers near Santacruz: I havnt visited anybody particular but I like Chamee and Palaks work. They are nestled in Vile Parle (west).

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  9. Thanks Aditi.I was just looking out for a Bridal Lehenga for around 15-20K Rs for my own wedding. I have found few designs online.I plan to get un-stitched Lehenga/Coth material as per my choice and get a Lehenga stiched.But issues is I do not have a great knowledge on cloth material.What do you suggest?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are a variety of cloths available in the market - Brocades, georgette, georgette brocade, silks, raw silk, net. Are you planning to get the work done on your own too? You get un-stiched lehenga materials in bridal wear stores like queens, Roopkala, etc exactly opposite Marine lines station. That should fit in your budget too!

      So tell us how it worked for you! All the best :)

      Delete
  10. Hi Aditi, I am from mumbai but currently staying in my native Assam. I want to get my lehenga stitched and get work done over it too. I like some design which i want to reproduce as the original is out of my budget. Do you know anyone who can help me without me being present physically?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know a few people who make replicas on cheap fabric but would not recommend them for your main lehenga as it is too much of a risk. You may contact Mehak from bridesbypb.com. I am sure she can help you out. She provides such wedding shopping services.

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    2. Hi aditi..can you provide details of people who,do replicas...also do u know any good karigar in south Mumbai?

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  11. Hi Aditi, Would you know of tailors around dadar/matunga ? Also you mentioned the fabrics..where could one source them from ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mangaldas market!! read this for more info: http://www.marathiweddings.com/2013/12/a-brides-must-visit-mangaldas-market.html

      Delete
  12. Hi Aditi,

    Great article. I absolutely loved it. I'm a bride to be and was looking for a great place to buy material and stitch bridal lehengas. they need not be the same store. I love mangaldas and can probably pick up material from there. But I'm at a complete loss for tailors who can do a great job. Pls help!

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  13. Hi, aditi.i m from mira road, mumbai. I want to get my lehenga stitched. I have some designs I want to know a good tailor. I can get the matetial n work done on my own . but no idea about the tailor. pls help...

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  14. Hi Aditi I just mail today only Please Rply with positive on ASAP its very urgent-

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  15. I love the d'signer anarkali dress but the price is just unbeliveably high.Can any tailor make replica of same ordered dress.Not only stitching,the work/embroidery n fabric also.pls help

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  16. I'm from Mumbai so my preference is mumbai karigar. Waiting for u r reply!

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  17. Hi aditi m looking 4 karigar I would appreciate if u would help ma email id is munotshruti@yahoo. Co.in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Shruti
      have you stiched your lehenga ? I want to stich mine too, but can't find any known tailor..

      Delete
  18. Hey Aditi, I have gone through almost all the posts on your blog from last few months and I loved it..I am too a Maharashtrian, soon a bride to be and really nervous about my wedding.
    Right now I am looking a tailor / shop in Mumbai where I can get a nauvari saree [Well fitted ;-)] stiched. After a few searches online I found 1 in Pune hers the link - http://nauvarisaree.com/products.html)
    I found this good as they have differentiated their saris in 3 different types Peshwai Sari, Lavani sari & 96 kuli Maharashtrian Sari. I want to get the 3rd type ;-)
    But I stay here in Mumbai and not possible to visit pune a few times for just a saree purpose. Please If you could help me on this...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pranali, Thank you Thank you :D :D
      The first store that come up in my mind is: http://www.peshwainauwar.com/
      Although, I do not have any personal feedback about them. They are from Nagpur but you can buy personally from their Mumbai (Vile Parle) contact Mrs. Vaishali Sahasrabudhe - 9819651819.

      You can also ask the nauvari saree retailers in Dadar/Thane. They can help you too!

      Hope this helps! Give us a feedback if you buy from there/anywhere else (help other bridal souls ;))

      Delete
  19. Hey Aditi, Thanks for the prompt reply :-)
    I will surely reply on this shortly as I check with the options given by you or any other I come across :-)
    TC :-)

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  20. Hey hii aditi,
    Is there any tailor near western side for traditional dresses ?
    Nd cn u email me ur contact number ?
    Plzzzzzzz
    samelvibhuti@gmail.com

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  21. Great article, i have a boutique in malaysia,and looking for karigar who can stitch designer saree blouses, bridal lenghas and anarkalis,we will provide high salary and place to stay in kuala lumpur malaysia,kindly reccomend good karigar, Ayshumi@gmail.com

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  22. beign in touch with nice tailor till the end of wedding is must

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  23. nice and wonderfull idea and nice post thanks........!!!

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  24. Hey.. can u suggest me a good place for getting my blouse designed and stitched in navi Mumbai?
    Thanks,
    Athira

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  25. Hey I would recommend this designer duo from Mumbai for all the designing ,stitching & embroidery requirements,they specialise in sari blouses,ladies ethnic wear like Lehnga choli,salwar suits etc. Excellent fit & finishing .. Contact details of My Tasht - +917303046260.

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  26. Hello everyone,

    Can some please recommend me a good embroidery karigar and a tailor who can stitch all kinds of Indianwears near the airport of Mumbai. As i will be visiting Mumbai in few months so want to start up a business from overseas. Please email me at pamjudge@hotmail.com.

    thank you so much.

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  27. Hi Aditi , do u know any good tailors in Colaba area?

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  28. Hi aditi, wanted a embroidered or work done on blouse for pattu saree so can u suggest any karigar near kharghar or vashi????? Do rply

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  29. Based on your reviews, I tried out Sapna Boutique and Vibgyor. My experience at Sapna was not good. The fit wasn't great, after several tries, plus the design I had wanted hadn't been executed properly. Also, I was charged 1300 for a blouse. At Vibgyor, she did what I had wanted and the fit and price were good, too. But they don't have any tailor for embroidery anymore.

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  30. This has a list of good tailors and designers in town and the western suburbs.
    http://brownpaperbag.in/mumbai/shop/40-best-ladies-tailors-in-mumbai/

    ReplyDelete

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