Shaadi Shopping: Subcontinental Style

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Bridal Wear>

For a complete listing of Pakistani bridal designers, see page two of Vow to Wow. For mid-market finds, see below.

Barkat Ali Saree Walay
Famous for antique “poorana kaam” and beautiful stitching, you can have lenghas, ghararas and saris made here. They also do groom’s wear. This is the best place for non-designer bridal wear.


Libas-e-Khas

Try this outlet if you have time, as they are not renowned for tight turnaround. Reasonable prices, but their kaam is not as delicate as Barkat Ali’s.
Liberty Market, Lahore

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Fashion by Karma. (See the wedding fashion article for more.)

Think Pink
Another Lahori zari house.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Zardozi
Zari house will do the kaam and stitching.
17 commercial zone, Liberty Market, Lahore
92-42-5879257

Men’s Wear

MM Alam Road is the home of many designers, including for all menswear.

Amir Adnan
Designer synonymous with men’s wedding fashion. He is widely credited for re-introducing the sherwani into modern fashion. Famous clients include both Indian and Pakistani heads of state. Headquartered in Karachi with outlets in Lahore.
Shop G-9, Siddique Trade Centre
72 Main Boulevard, Gulberg
Tel: 9242 5781713

Shop 313, Block-Z, Commercial Area
Defense Housing Authority
Tel: 9242 5896441-42

Deepak Perwani
Men’s and women’s designer best known for stylish groomswear. Headquartered in Karachi with an outlet in Lahore.
12-C/1, Gulberg III, MM Alam Road, Lahore
92 42 571 2409

Dulha Dress House
Reasonably-priced groomswear.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Maharaja Tailors
Great at stitching sherwanis. Their kaam craftsman does excellent work. But you must buy the cloth from Saleem Fabrics (or they’ll get it for you).
Liberty Market, Lahore

Saleem Fabrics
They have both fabrics and tailors for achkans, sherwanis and other groom needs.
Liberty Market, Lahore

Fine Jewelry

Aliel
Formerly known as Sayegh and Co., these high-end jewelers carry the work of numerous talented designers. Feeling extra wealthy? Check out their “Nur” collection—each piece is completely unique and will never be replicated.
Pearl Continental Lahore
Shop 51/64
92 42 636 2660, 92 42 636 7475
lahore@aliel.com

Gem Jewellers
Know for traditional polki sets. Smaller diamond pieces, such as rings.
26- Commercial Zone
Palky Center Liberty Market
Gulberg III Lahore
092-42-5878637,5878638
sultangem@hotmail.com

Karat Jewellers
Beautiful wedding sets in this often-crowded shop. Located in Empire Centre, a mini-shopping mall with shoe stores, fabric stores and more. Perfect for one-stop shopping.
G-10, Empire Centre
Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore
Ph. # (92-42) 874455-5710800

Kundan Jewellers
They bring their jewelry from India, specializing in traditional sets including polki.
Shop # 2 c -G Palace Arcade
Gulberg III Lahore Pakistan
092-42-5757017

Sonica Jewellers
This ever-bustling jewelry shop carries a wide range of jewelry sets.
Shop No.2,39/C-II
Comm. Zone,Liberty Market
Gulberg, Lahore
(92-42) 6305466-576275-873716

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Bangle selections. (Sandeep Reddy)
Bangles, Bindis, Henna and Other Miscellaneous Wedding Goods

Dupatta Galli, Liberty Market
Lahoris know there is one place for virtually all shopping needs: Liberty Market. Duck into Dupatta Galli in the backside of the market for everything from bangles to bindis to khussas to mehndi to decorations.

Shahalmi
If you’re feeling adventurous, venture to this wholesale market for fabrics, bangles, decorations, dhols, any anything you can imagine at deeply discounted prices. But don’t go without a local—it’s not exactly clean or easy to navigate.

Bombay City Guide: Page 2
New Delhi City Guide: Page 3
Lahore City Guide: Page 4
Karachi City Guide: Page 5

For a complete list of Indian and Pakistani bridal designers, see page 2 of Vow to Wow.

Ismat Sarah Mangla is dreaming of a shopping trip to the Subcontinent.
Published on June 18, 2007.
Photography: Header image by Asad Chaudary. All other photographs courtesy of the photographers noted and designers and businesses featured.

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