As I stated in another thread, I dont know much about desi kaam, lenghas, and designers. With that beingsaid, I dont see how these designers get business with having one small, dark, pic of their product, which you cannot zoom to see the quality of the work, or rotate to see the design? Some picture arent even front views, some cover the kaam on the kameez or lengha by draping their dupatta over majority of their lengha. Some designers don’t even have websites. I dont understand how they are still in business.
My question is, how do ladies go to them and trust them? If you were to choose a design that you have seen one pic of, even if you customize it, how can you ensure you will like it?
customer reviews, experiences. when you see a bride with a stunning dress, or a celebrity wearing their outfits, word of mouth and research works wonders. If you live in pakistan or wherever they're based, you can easily walk into a boutique and get a first hand look at their work. and of course when you contact them from abroad you'll get detailed pictures and samples sent to you of the kaam, kapre, color, etc.
most people will actually go and visit the designer. The designer will have these lenghas there, and you are able to see them, touch them, look at them closely, and depending on the designer, they may let you try them on. I have only visited a few designers when my friend was getting married, but I know Karma, Sarah Salman, Zara Shahjahan and Maria B, let you try the lengha on. Mehdi will not let you try anything on. But when you visit their store/house, all the lenghas are on display for you to see.
So what do girls in the US do? Work with designers on the phone? How can the confirm their work is good? Sorry guys im really frustrated and do not understand which route to take, I have no idea how I am going to get two bridals made...
Mail them with u're requirements and they'll usually send u a catalogue, u may select the 'kaam' from there and talk to them about the cuts, material and colors that u want. Usually they'll send u samples of the colors/kaam via DHL/TCS and pictures of the outfit being made. They also send u a measurement form which u fill-out with accurate measurements and send back.
Rizwan Beyg, Umar Sayeed, Nickie Nina. Bunto sent me swatches of different shades of gold she thought would look better than the one I had in mind. The only issue I had with Nickie Nina was the fitting of a churidar..other than that Alhamdulilah.
Recently i made a purchase from HSY and I had a few outfits in mind to choose from and asked my mom to go to Lahore to the HSY studio to look at the outfits and let me know what she thinks of them. That's how I ended up choosing the one I bought. All my conversations were via phone and email. They sent a measurement form which was hard to understand specially if you have never taken your measurements before.
They were willing to mail it to me but I went to Lahore to pick it up but unfortunately it wasn't ready so they mailed it to me a couple of days later to Karachi.
So there are definitely different ways to order what you would like. The only thing I would recommend is that you go there for the fitting even if it's after the dress is ready because I have never heard of a dress being perfect without ever going for a trial.
Recently i made a purchase from HSY and I had a few outfits in mind to choose from and asked my mom to go to Lahore to the HSY studio to look at the outfits and let me know what she thinks of them. That's how I ended up choosing the one I bought. All my conversations were via phone and email. They sent a measurement form which was hard to understand specially if you have never taken your measurements before.
They were willing to mail it to me but I went to Lahore to pick it up but unfortunately it wasn't ready so they mailed it to me a couple of days later to Karachi.
So there are definitely different ways to order what you would like. The only thing I would recommend is that you go there for the fitting even if it's after the dress is ready because I have never heard of a dress being perfect without ever going for a trial.
If the measurements are precise, the outfits will come out perfect. The only issue I ever had was with Nickie and Nina..the fitting of the churidar wasn't great and they made it tighter for me and removed the button they put at the bottom.
I took the measurement form to my tailor here and she helped me fill it out.. they're willing to make any adjustments if the outfit doesn't come-out the way you wanted or doesn't fit you well.
Gina, did you choose an outfit as is from their catalogue or did you ask for any changes or adjustments to the design or cut of the dress? They have lovely outfits but I am wondering if they're willing to integrate different designs and cuts as per request of the customer..
I've asked them to change colors and kaam, I don't really like 'kaam' on the daman of the kameez so they made the outfit heavier on top and placed a motif at the back. Usually the colors in the catalogue appear a lot different in real.. they've been helpful in sending me samples of colors.
its simple.
1. u select a design from hand embroidery seller or tell them your own design.
2.if any changes required , tell them
3.get sample via courier
4.confirm and let the dress be made.