NewEveryone knows that getting clothes tailor-made in Dubai is the way forward, yet we still traipse the malls with our mouths hanging open like goldfish, busting credit cards that are already bursting at the seams. Last night ‘G’ told me about an awesome tailor who was having a bit of a soiree in her warehouse/studio in Al Quoz. Stepping out of the cab in the middle of an industrial wasteland, I was slightly dubious about what lay in store, but stepping through the huge glass doors into a dressmaker’s paradise I was presented with a cupcake, and everything was right with the world.
The genius behind Creative Thread is a lady called Lauren McDonald, now the head of décor and design and knee deep daily in cottons, silks, scissors and sewing machines. Three generations stood proudly in one place last night, munching on chocolate cakes; Lauren’s mother and grandmother had both flown in for the occasion – a sweet reminder to the rest of Dubai that her company has now expanded from producing costumes for events and parties, to whipping up cocktail gowns and wedding dresses to die for.
At the front of the shop, where the bubbly was sipped and the crisps were dipped, guests swooned over Lauren’s personal creations; flowing gowns, short daytime dresses with cute matching belts, and a long, lacey number that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a red carpet, inhabited by a scorching celebrity. Backstage, brushing past Harry Potter’s broom and numerous glittery fairy wings, Lauren’s team of skilled and trained tailors were hard at work putting the legs on a pair of horse costumes for a party.
Rows of beautiful dresses lined the walls – even a 1950’s vintage wedding dress awaited the grand chop and re-design. The fully functioning dressing room of full length mirrors, make up mirrors, dividers/screens and steamers made us feel like we standing in a carefully choreographed movie scene, and we all stood tall as we took it in turns to be measured, for our own personally tailored creations.
All dresses and costumes here can be made to a bespoke design, either on rental terms or as a purchase. Who knows, you might just fall in love with your wizard’s robe, or your mermaid tail. Save some wardrobe space! These guys have a head full of amazing imaginings, but if you bring your costume or regular clothing design to the studio, they can put it together from a photo, or magazine page. For those who live at the new end of town, trekking to the tailors of Karama is a bit of a mission (I know, I’ve done it) so it’s good to know there’s help and uber creativity just around the corner in Al Quoz, even if you do have to render yourself stranded on a main road once you leave, if you don’t have a car. Hint: get your taxi to wait while you run in!
I need a new dress for the wedding I’m flying home for in July, so I’ve left my measurements with Lauren and now it’s up to me to email her over my design ideas. I’ll probably scour the Internet and send her photos, or I can pop back in for a personal consultation and she’ll go out on my behalf to find some nice materials. I could never dream of doing this in London. Well, I could. Dream that is. Back there, a tailor-made dress would cost a fortune. Lauren’s prices are fair and square. The price of the material, the size and the detail and time it takes to make are all taken into consideration. On average, a size 10 dress in silk/satin material for daytime wear would probably cost between 250-350 AED. Same as on the high-street, only no one else will have it!
And on the high-street, you definitely don’t get any cupcakes with your shopping.
Got any questions or want like a free, no-obligation quote? Check out www.creativethreaddubai.com or email lauren@creativethreaddubai.com
Posted: 04 June 2009
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