 |
| Fabric market for the locals |
During my time in Shanghai, I made several trips to the fabric market. I love going to the fabric market, there is something exciting and special about selecting the fabric, choosing a design and having something created just for you. Before I left Canada, I printed off several pictures of dresses from some of my favourite clothing stores, Banana Republic, Gap and Anthropologie, ready to have a Chinese tailor whip them up for me. I ended up getting thirteen dresses made, all of which look great. I selected a mix of fabrics, including cotton, silk, linen and a cotton/silk combination. In total, I spent about $500 on these dresses, a bargain, given that in the store, each dress would be at least $100-$200.
 |
| Tailors |
 |
| Fabric for sale |
I had to make several trips back to have things fitted and re-fitted. On my last visit, as I waited for the tailor to put the final touches on my new clothes, I headed out into the neighbourhood for a wander. After walking only a few blocks, I found myself at another fabric market, this one directed towards locals - fabric was piled high on tarps on the street and the tailors worked in open-fronted buildings facing the street. Deeper into the neighbourhood, I came across a local wet market, where locals were going about their daily grocery shopping.
 |
| Typical Chinese scene - bikes and clothes drying |
 |
| Beautiful old building in a state of disrepair |
It was an unexpected discovery and it certainly made the time fly as I waited for my clothes to be finished. I left the fabric market and the area surrounding it with not only a new summer wardrobe, but a lovely cultural experience as well!
 |
| Girls doing their homework on the footpath |
 |
| Fish anyone? |
 |
| Mmmm, veggies! |
 |
| Eels?! |
 |
| Poultry |
 |
| Ginger and garlic |
 |
| Delicious street omlettes |
 |
| Hanging out the washing |
 |
| A side street |
 |
| Lady making shoes |
 |
| The local knife sharpener |
2 comments:
Oh that would have been neat! I can just imagine the things those tailors can make, I've heard they are incredibly talented! Wonder if they know how to make riding habits?? lol
Michelle, I think that they would be able to make a riding habit if you were there and showed them a sample. They're pretty clever!
Post a Comment