In just two days in Chennai, the hardest thing for me was not the culture shock or the food... it was the heat. It is brutally hot in South India's tropical climate, and I was in urgent need for tailor-made clothes to combat the daily 90-degree weather.
Upon a colleague's recommendation, I arranged to meet Manjeri, a seasoned local tailor with experience for crafting garments from linen, silk, and cotton. Stepping into her shop, which doubled as her living space, I was greeted by a vibrant array of fabrics, garments in progress, and a friendly orange tabby cat. Manjeri's fluent English and easygoing demeanor made our interaction effortless as she attentively listened to my preferences. I expressed my need for lightweight attire suitable for daily wear in the summer heat, and asked for a top, pants, a skirt, and, most importantly, a traditional kurta - a long tunic commonly worn by South Indian locals with pants or leggings. With precision, Manjeri meticulously measured the upper part of my body using an old-school tape measure and recorded the details in her notebook by hand.
After my visit to Manjeri's shop, she maintained contact to update me on the West Bengal fabrics she was sourcing for my kurta design. She extended a kind invitation for a fabric shopping expedition, and the following weekend, we rendezvoused at Nalli 100, a vast fabric emporium resembling a department store.
This renowned establishment offers an extensive selection of fabrics, including silk, cotton, and linen from various regions of India, showcasing diverse patterns and designs. The multitude of employees stood ready to assist with fabric selection and measurements, amidst an overwhelming array of choices. With Manjeri's expert guidance, I navigated the sea of fabrics and selected different materials for each garment type I desired. My total bill tallied up to around 12,400 INR (approximately $150), a price tag that I embraced wholeheartedly knowing the value compared to what similar fabrics would cost in the United States.
Now, I eagerly await the creation of my bespoke wardrobe😌.
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