Re: formal readymade in lahore
they are not "ripoffs", you are paying for the convenience of just picking something up and buying it, rather than going through a little or a lot of hassle. none of that things not being made on time.
you also know exactly what you are going to get and what the finished product looks like.
things could have changed but i think zardosi are mostly made to order but not custom orders. ali's is made to order, custom orders and also has unstitched stuff. i think most of think pink is already made to buy or to have adjusted (not sure about this).
i have never been in lahore for enough time to explore but i believe liberty basement has a lot the same stuff as these shops at cheaper prices.
you can search the fashion forum for experiences/reviews of where people have bought stuff.