771 words
Spools of the Sartor
The Sher Khan Tailoring in Al Qusais 1 is flanked by laundry shops on either side. The store windows are a charming display of mannequins in sparkly clothing. Hailing from Pakistan, Mr Raza Akbar, a tailor by profession, captures the right cut with precision. Akbar works away on his Eid orders, his sharp eyes keeping a close watch on the overhead clock. Gesturing towards the pile of cloth material next to him, Akbar says he is loaded with work. “Festivals means people have to dress themselves in new clothes” he says in rudimentary English.
Raza Akbar at workPhoto Credits: Blassy Boben
Festivals and special occasions see tailoring shops bustling with people who wish to get their attire sewn. People spend more during festivals and therefore, often choose to deck themselves in new clothing. This spending reflects their joy and celebration of the festival at hand.
Situated in a predominantly expatriate residential location, Akbar’s shop reaps the benefits of a people whose festivals are spread out through the year. Be it Diwali, Christmas or even the Eid festivals, Akbar and his helpers are busy throughout the year. Having snuffed the flame out on the Diwali season, when Akbar’s shop was filled to bursting with heavily embroidered traditional Indian outfits; Akbar now prepares for the Eid-Al-Adha rush.
Situated in a predominantly expatriate residential location, Akbar’s shop reaps the benefits of a people whose festivals are spread out through the year. Be it Diwali, Christmas or even the Eid festivals, Akbar and his helpers are busy throughout the year. Having snuffed the flame out on the Diwali season, when Akbar’s shop was filled to bursting with heavily embroidered traditional Indian outfits; Akbar now prepares for the Eid-Al-Adha rush.
The Tailor's best friendsPhoto Credits: Blassy Boben
He shows off a pile of cloth material that he prepares to work on. The most popular Eid outfit among expatriates, according to Akbar is the Salwar Kameez, a shirt and trouser combo, favoured by both men and women alike. He also receives plenty of orders for custom made Abayas, the traditional Arab dress, often embellished with rhinestones and lace.
Tailoring shops earn huge profits on these festivals, with the Sher Khan Tailors earning about 25% of their annual revenue at the Eid festivals. “Once the Eid rush dies down, then comes the Christmas and New Year orders” says Akbar cheerfully. Christmas season sees ladies queuing up to get their gowns made, often carrying photos of the dresses they desire. “They all want to look like movie stars”, says Akbar with a smile.
Tailoring shops earn huge profits on these festivals, with the Sher Khan Tailors earning about 25% of their annual revenue at the Eid festivals. “Once the Eid rush dies down, then comes the Christmas and New Year orders” says Akbar cheerfully. Christmas season sees ladies queuing up to get their gowns made, often carrying photos of the dresses they desire. “They all want to look like movie stars”, says Akbar with a smile.
Finished garments adorn the store windowsPhoto Credits: Blassy Boben
“We get about 20 to 50 customers daily, This number goes up when it is festival time.” says Akbar as he sorts out the various clothes and measures them. “Prices have gone up, and we have increased our service charges, but the people still continue to come here to stitch their clothes.” The economic downturn has done nothing to dampen the spirits of a people determined to celebrate these festivals.
Festival season ensures that Akbar has a lot of work to do, with customers hounding him to give priority to their orders above others. “Ladies often give me sweets and food items to try and get their dresses done first.” But Akbar swears by a strict first come first serve policy.
“People come to the shop with the cloth material they like, with a photo or a drawing of the design they wish to have made. Some customers explain the designs verbally.” Says Akbar, who plays an important role in decking up his customers for the festivals.
Festival season ensures that Akbar has a lot of work to do, with customers hounding him to give priority to their orders above others. “Ladies often give me sweets and food items to try and get their dresses done first.” But Akbar swears by a strict first come first serve policy.
“People come to the shop with the cloth material they like, with a photo or a drawing of the design they wish to have made. Some customers explain the designs verbally.” Says Akbar, who plays an important role in decking up his customers for the festivals.
Loaded with work at festival timePhoto Credits: Blassy Boben
People today choose to splurge on ready made garments in order to avoid the extra effort of getting a custom made outfit. When asked about the competition from ready made clothes, he shrugs it off saying “People are always going to get clothes sewn, because tailored clothes suit their body and their taste. Ready made clothes do not have that magic. There will always be work for me”, he says with a grin. Custom made outfits are designed to fit one’s choice. They give the wearer total control over the outfit. Be it the selection of fabric, the design and the fitting, the choice rests in the hands of the customer. Custom-made outfits are made to last a very long time, thereby brushing away all fears of the looming threat from the ready made clothing industry.
“I would love to celebrate Eid with my family in Pakistan” says Akbar who hasn’t been home in four years. He shows a tattered photo of his family of four. His three kohl eyed children grinning with uncertainty at the camera. “I cant be with them because there is so much work to do here. But at least this way I can earn for them to have a happy Eid.”
The wind-chimes above the store door tinkle to mark the entry of another customer. We leave Akbar as he threads the needle to breathe life into yet another creation made of cloth.
Colored spoolsPhoto Credits: Blassy Boben
No comments:
Post a Comment