Dress it up!

Everybody picked up the salwar-kameez pattern that Madhuri Dixit wore in Dil To Pagal Hai - the one with the long slits. But my clients w...

Everybody picked up the salwar-kameez pattern that Madhuri Dixit wore in Dil To Pagal Hai 8211; the one with the long slits. But my clients wore such dresses almost two years ago.8221; If it were anybody else who were to say this, you8217;d think he were talking out of his hat, but not when it comes from the much sought-after ladies8217; garments8217; tailor M Zafar Alam aka Zafar Bhai.

For over 13 years, his shop, Fig-Leaf, has been the mecca for Pune women seeking a perfectly-stitched outfit. And as far as his loyal clientele is concerned, they are convinced fashion follows Zafar Bhai! However much they may desire a particular pattern, ultimately, it is he who has the last word. 8220;Generally, I suggest the pattern, taking into consideration what would suit the particular person and, of course, the trends doing the rounds,8221; says Zafar Bhai. 8220;What I am really careful about is the cut, that makes or mars the dress. So while I have five-odd assistants, I make sure that I do the cutting,8221; he continues.

And as one of Zafar Bhai8217;s customers tells us, 8220;He has been stitching my clothes for almost 10 years now. The first outfit he tailored fitted so comfortably, that I just could not go to any other tailor.8221; No wonder then that his list of clients includes people from Kothrud to Kalyani Nagar and areas in between. Reluctant to mention specific names, he does add, 8220;A lot of big shots also come to me!8221;

While readying a dress is actually a matter of five-odd hours depending on the pattern for Zafar Bhai and his team, he does not like to hurry his workers, and takes 15 days to ready it. 8220;In all these years, I have not had any dissatisfied client. But if there is indeed any hassle, the client is always right! I do not even mind opening up and re-doing the entire dress,8221; he says matter-of-factly.

This earnestness is a major reason for the faith his clients have in him, and also the secret of his success, that has only rocketed since he set up shop. While his early lessons were at his father8217;s shop at Patna, his own experience has helped better his style.

From day one, the range he tailors includes Indian outfits like salwar kameezes, ghagras, and Western ones like formal suits with skirts or trousers. 8220;I do have style books from which my customers can select their pattern, but I pick up new style ideas from television serials and even foreign magazines, especially for the western outfits. And some clients who return from visits abroad get along patterns they would like to be copied for them.8221;

From wherever they be inspired, Zafar Bhai is sure to add his own touch to the patterns. Haute couture 8211; Zafar Bhai style?