From what I have noticed, the really nice stuff in Pak isn't ALL that much cheaper than you can get here. Everyone's complaining about how good quality clothes in Pakistan are increasing in price -- designers are hiking up their prices. I'm in the same boat as you, except that I know people in Pak that will know where to go and what to buy, etc; BUT, I'm not ready to spend a couple thousand to go there, spend hours running around in the heat and chaos for my clothes. I barely go to Pak, if I ever went there, I would want to spend good quality time with fam. Just getting the cloth and having the darzi make it, takes a while! You can get something similar for cheaper here!
Although, one thing -- I live in Mississauga, ON. We have a reallyyyyyy good selection of Pakistani clothes and dresses here. It's not like Pakistan, but it's pretty decent. Plus, so many aunties are importing dresses and selling them here that the competition has really bought prices down to a somewhat decent level -- that's why it's a little more affordable here.
If you don’t have a family there then don’t go. I agree to people that prices in pak are much higher now and getting higer day by day. Good Quality material, kaam, even good darzi/ kaam all are very costly and shrwed. They don’t hesitate to make a fool out of local, tou non-locals ka to allah malik hai. Going there by spending all that amount on airfare, etc. just for shopping is not WORTH it. My advise is to contact good ppl on line or ask friends in pak to help you (if u have any there) . Try **Panache by Aiman **I came to knw abt her thru some friends. She arranged all the heavy n light formal clothes of my neice at very reasonable prices, and guarantees quality work. You should talk to her on the fone she’s very sweet and reliable. she has clients in US as well. Ask her for refrences for ur satisfaction. She doesnot deal locally , only UK, US & Canada. www.facebook.com/panachebyaiman.
I am in Lahore right now and loving it....the weather is not that bad and yes, there are numerous new shops and "designers" that have cropped-up - I look forward to shopping :)
i wouldn't bother if i did know anyone in Pakistan. All these people who go back generally have strong links and family in Pakistan. You need to think about flight costs, hotel accomodation, transport, food - and also clothes in Pakistan are good value and much cheaper but you are not factoring in the other costs.
you can do your research as much as you want but you don't actually have a pakistani local with you to help you haggle prices down. vendors usually be you foreign on local try to raise prices. Only difference is locals can turn around and say WELL so and so is cheaper or last week you priced it this amount etc wherehas being a foreigner you'd be at a loss.
I bought all my wedding attire from shops in London. the heavy formals were £400 but i purchased sensibly and there are so many shops now in London that sell semi formal pakistani wear ( priced at £100-150) aswell has heavy formals/ bridals. I ended up purchasing about 10 outfits heavy to semi heavy from the shop i bought my wedding clothing from and then about 10 lighter ready made outfits from various shops. Jewellery i also purchased from a gold shop here for both barat and walima.