Tailor-Made: Body-Conscious Dress

You’ve already read all about my custom-made velvet cardigan (or if you haven’t, click here). But how’d my second trip to the tailor turn out?

Let’s start from the beginning. What I initially had in mind was an asymmetrical drape dress inspired by the BCBG one shown above.

Unfortunately, I'd ventured off to Muxiyuan Fabric Market without a concrete vision in mind. Aside from my velvet purchase, I'd simply selected cloth at random, depending on my whim. I picked up two meters of navy jersey (RMB 23) on the thicker side for its color, thinking I could use it either for a dress or shorts.

Big mistake. By the time I realized I preferred a dress, it occurred to me how unsuited my purchased fabric was for my imagined design. No tailor would take on the job, or if they were willing, they asked that I purchase one of their more satiny textiles – at a whopping RMB 200 per meter.

But all was not lost. I’d also eyed an ASOS dress (below) at some point in time – boring in style, but appropriate for so many contexts. Plus, a fitted dress tailored specifically to my body was an enticing idea.

I’d already seen fantastic results at Yashow 3066 with Sunny. But I figured that, on behalf of you dear readers, it wouldn’t hurt to do additional “research” somewhere else. I’d heard some mixed opinions about Lisa Tailor in 3.3 Shopping Center, but their convenient location and detailed website convinced me to reconsider.

I bargained with Lisa herself on the price of labor, which she pitched at RMB 600, and which I managed to get down to RMB 200. I gave her the above photo to work with. Later, I returned for two more fittings, each time asking them to tighten the dress a little more, adjust the length and the armholes. At last, after 1.5 weeks, it was complete. See below.

On a scale of 1 through 10, I’d rate my experience with her a solid 7. Yet here we reach the delicate balance of how much my own hazy vision was to blame. The next time I want something so specific, I will take more care to consider the cut and fit of the fabric. I also see what a world of difference it makes when you don't have a sample item to bring in to guide the tailor as well. In the future, I will aim to have clear foresight from the beginning of the process. I've learned my lesson, and come out of it with a decently wearable dress.

Am I ready to try again? Well, I just returned to Muxiyuan last week. I'd say the newly purchased fabrics piled in my closet speak for themselves, wouldn't you?

Lisa's Tailor Shop. Unit 3006, 3/F, 3.3 Shopping Center, 33 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District (139 1079 8183) www.beijingtailor.com 朝阳区三里屯北街33号3.3购物中心3层3006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.

Photos: Style.com, ASOS and Sui