2011 May 04 Tailor-Made: Velvet Cardigan (As Seen on Mary-Kate Olsen)
I've always loved the luxurious feel of velvet, and ever since seeing the above photo, I've wanted it in cardigan form.
I didn't care that it might make me look like an elf, or that it'd draw bewildered looks from strangers in the streets. I was intent on buying one. But despite my resolve, I simply couldn't find a velvet cardigan for a reasonable price anywhere. Not in stores in Beijing, not in San Francisco, not even online. The industry people must have decided early on that the item wouldn't generate enough mass appeal.
Which is why I was thrilled to chance upon the ideal cloth for my sweater-to-be during my first trip to Muxiyuan Fabric Market. The price? Just 40 kuai for 2.5 meters of delicious midnight blue velvet.
Next up was finding a reliable tailor. (This list might come in handy.) I settled upon Yashow 3066 based on word-of-mouth and its close proximity to my house. Of course I was prepared to haggle more, given the location. My nearly bilingual tailor Sunny – who turned out to be an attentive, business-savvy and talented man indeed – started the bid at RMB 600. I managed to bargain it down to RMB 250. He made the point that he does not typically work with outside fabrics, so you'll have to either do some serious coaxing, buy directly from him or patronize the tailors who haven't been spoiled by working with foreigners.
I showed him pictures, including the one above, plus brought in a sample sweater and asked him to follow the same style of stitching. And voila! Just four days later, it was complete – no further fittings needed.
It was just that easy. I'm sure my detailed explanation and props served to eliminate any difficulties raised by language or style barriers; I'd advise any newbies to tailoring to do the same. As for whether I plan to get more stuff made in the future, the answer is a resounding yes.
Look out for my next story on tailor-making a fitted dress, coming soon.
Stall 3066, Yashow Market. Daily 9.30am-9pm. 58 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6415 1726) 朝阳区工体北路58号
Can't find a magazine around town? Check out the story of a suit and more from this month's cover feature online here.
Photo by Sui.
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