The blouse tailors you need on speed dial if you live in Mumbai

 

When there's a wedding coming up and you don't know what to wear, who hasn't worn a mismatched blouse or replaced it with a crop top to throw something together at the last minute? With wedding season rapidly approaching, you may find yourself in a similar predicament once more. It's time to grow up and get that blouse made in plenty of time to avoid the panic. What is the simplest way to accomplish this? By locating a tailor who understands your needs and is available to meet your last-minute requests.

Vogue has rounded up the best tailors in Mumbai who promise to craft the perfect sari blouses for you, from meticulous Masterjis who closely work with designers and celebrities to tailors who promise to deliver a well-fitted blouse in a grand total of two hours.

Manish Jolly

Manish Jolly, a well-known name among south Bombay's fashion insiders, comes highly recommended if you're looking for a blouse that you recently saw your favorite celebrity wear. Indeed, such is this tailor's skill that he frequently receives orders from leading couturiers to handcraft bulk blouses. Jolly is so invested in creating blouses that are nearly perfect that he has the authority to cut fabric. He has a posse of tailors under him to help him with stitching.

Address: Shop 5, Ground Floor, Damodar Mahal, opposite Shalimar Hotel, Cumballa Hills, Mumbai. Tel: 022-23892144/9820840987

Rathod Tailor

Rathod is another Masterji who will meticulously work on your sari blouse. His work will not disappoint you, from meeting your deadlines to exceeding your expectations. "Our shop is about 60-70 years old, and I've been doing this work for 40 years," Rathod says. Famous celebrities, including Helen, have also visited his shop. "Initially, the katori-style blouse was extremely popular," he explains, "but today, the princess cut is in demand." When you ask him about his unique selling point, he responds quickly. "Fittings," he says, his voice tinged with pride.

Address: 4th Road, 9/32 Vora Building, Khar Danda, Khar West, Mumbai. Tel: 022-26047620/9892705787

Sunila Malhotra

Sunila Malhotra, a success story in her own right, quit her job as a math teacher and became a professional blouse designer after discovering her calling. Malhotra, who lives and works in Bandra's Pali Hill, has a large clientele that she has built over the years, and she specializes in playing with experimental cuts and necklines. From original designs that include blouses embellished with mirror work, zari, and gota, among other things, to celebrity-inspired numbers, there's plenty to choose from.

Address: Metropolitan, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Tel: 9819328955

Waghela Brothers

Do you need your blouse in a hurry? Inquire with Kishor Kumar at Waghela Brothers about creating a well-fitted blouse with neat cuts and a perfect finish in the time frame you require. "I've been doing this for the last 35-40 years," Kishor says, adding that his experience has helped him produce high-quality work. "We specialize in halter tops, spaghettis, and corsets." If modern sari blouse styles appeal to you, this tailor may be the one for you.

Address: 12 Anju Shopping Centre, opposite Asha Parekh Hospital, Tilak Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai. Tel: 9920156850/9224390599 or 022-26497926

Ajay Tailor

If you prefer personalized services delivered to your door, save Ajay's phone number right away. Though he works from his home in Borivali East, he will come to your home for measurements and to brainstorm ideas for your blouse style, and will even return with the finished piece once it's completed. "I work on a variety of sari blouses in different fabrics like silk, crochet, and south cotton, which happens to be a current favorite for summer," he says, adding that he can stitch any style in two hours. Have you made any last-minute changes? He will also take on those tasks.

Tel: 9702668547

Ashmina Boutique

This boutique, believe it or not, offers same-day alterations for sari blouses. They're quick and efficient, so you can rest assured that your blouse is in good hands.

Address: Atria Mall, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai. Tel: 022-24813532

Parmar Tailors

This family-owned company has been in operation for 50 years, and their work is meticulous down to the last thread. "We accept orders for all types of blouse styles, from halter to high-necked," Naresh Parmar explains. "However, if there's one style that consistently sells well, it's the princess cut blouse." If you have a specific blouse style in mind, bring a sketch with you for reference.

Address: 67, Dr Ambedkar Road, Khar West, Mumbai. Tel: 9920040759