Re: good boutique in karachi
For good karigars try **Kehkashan and Gulf. Both are pretty huge areas laden with tailors sitting there with there piles of bridal magazines, copying designs from every known designer in Pakistan. Almost everyone is good there. Make sure that you explain each and everything to them.
I don't remember the name but there is a shop in the inner lanes of Gulf that has some lovely Karma and Maria B. designs that were originally Rs. 1,00,000 plus and the karigar quoted Rs. 20,000 plus. The work was really fine but they don't bargain.
Kehkashan market, is across the road from Uzma shopping center in Clifton. Not exactly opposite Gulf but a bit ahead. Go to a shop named 'Designers' at Kehkashan as they are well-known for their stuff. The quality of work there is really good and closest to the originals we see every day. Remember, the prices are a bit steep, not ridiculous like the originals but affordable for those for have a starting range of Rs.8,000 - Rs.12,000. That is indeed a 'Designer Copy Dream place.'
You can also order formals from PLK, Tariq Road. I gave them my own fabric and they did the kaam. Again the quality of the work was really fine and I was happy with the result. They have loads of samples and you have to keep looking at the outfits to sort out the kaam you like. They also provides matching shoes and pouches/bags alongwith their bridals. I didn't ask whether they do that with their formals. You can also show them your design and they will make it as it is. BTW, their formals start from Rs. 10,000. Negotiate and bargain all you can. Ask for Farhan if you want to order.
A shop called NOOR zari centre on 1st floor Rabi centre Tariq road has very good work. Show the owner your designs and he'll make it for you with or without your fabric. His max price was around Rs. 20,000. I gave him my own fabric so each outfit cost me around Rs. 4,000. He does amazing sarees too. I showed him a sari that someone bought for Rs. 26,000 and he told me that he could replicate it for Rs. 7,000. I am thinking about ordering a few of my own.
The good thing about this one is that the owner takes care of everyting himself from dress material, colour, kaam everything At Gulf you have to be really standing on the kaarigar's head so that he doesn't ruin your expensive material.
Jabeens at Tariq Road, Shakeel's at Saima Center, Makkah Cloth house at Rabi Center and Bridal creations at Dolmen Mall Tariq Road are equally good. They mostly have made to order stuff but also have unstitched formal suits that you'll love.
Also, visit 'Mohsins' at Saima Center, Tariq Road for formal outfits. Haven't ordered from Mohsin but have seen their work. It is awesome! The outfits had fab kaam on them and they were priced from Rs. 10,000 and onwards for formals. I loved an outfit that was priced at Rs. 18,000 and he said that if I provide my fabric he'll do the same kaam in co-ordinating colours for Rs. 9,000. Still on the expensive side but I really liked the finishing and sparkle of the outfits. They have ready-to-wear outfits and made-to-order ones, too.
I also know a home-based designer who can make any copies. Her name is 'Fatima Aunty' and her contact # is 021-6348210.
Many of the talented GS designers are based in Karachi, so you can have a look at their collection, too esp. SairaJi and Cyma.
Check out the shops at Gulf for silver gold plated jewellery. The ones I checked out had the nicest collection esp. 'Zevar' and 'Gehna'. There are other, too. I think you can get smallish sets for Rs. 10,000 and pendant sets for Rs. 5000-7000. For bigger sets, they can charge you anywhere from Rs. 25-50,000. I really recommend 'Zevar'.
Hope this helps. :)**