Day of the Nation

Today marks the 47th year of the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Seven small states united into a juggernaut of the gulf. Day of celebrating national pride, success, openness, harmony and belonging.

UAE is also home to approximately 8 million expats who rejoice and celebrate this day as a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country, it’s leaders and its people have given us.

Without the forward thinking and ease of doing business, our small tailor won’t exist, here in our small corner of the UAE.

So here’s to UAE, it’s leaders and it’s people… here’s to endless more prosperous years to come…

Ladies range @ DXB

Robe/Over coat dress

These over dress are an extension of the kimono designs at the DXB. The front opens wider than our kimono range and features sans buttons. It is designed to be worn like a cape. You can think of it is a draper version of the cardigan.

This new design at the DxB is made from British linen for a warm feel of the cloth whilst being a breathable garment. Colours are chosen from the warm colours of the winter and Autumn.

As always, handmade. Dxb. Tailored.

Kurta

The kurtas we have at the DxB is a simple long shirt. They have buttons at the front, band collar and long sleeves. Yeah they are common and generic but they are made from crêpe or the silk crêpe variety that are hard wearing and super comfortable. They are suitable for daily abuse and goes very well with all our other products. These handmade garments are not the same as the stuff you get on the racks at other boutiques.

Dress

Long dress in either short or long sleeves, the simplest most elegant garment we have here at the DxB. As Antoine Saint Ex put it, perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away…

Versatile, modest, and can be worn on its own or coupled with any range or colours of our products.

Materials from crepe or British linen for the best drape and comfort. This garment is designed to pair best with our over dresses.

Handmade. DxB.

DxB|Tailored Women’s wear 101

The Abayas that we have at the DXB|Tailored are mainly of the Kimono style. It is a loose clothing construction from the popular colours of the season. The fashioning of these garments are from either a combination or wholly from the materials crêpe, Nidha, and Almas. See our articles on materials.

Classically, the abaya garments are designed in all black. Abayas are traditional covering worn by the ladies in the Middle East region. Now the concept and design of the abaya has gone global. To make these more flexible for the ladies outside of the Gulf, we have introduced popular seasonal colours making our abaya more suitable to the ladies all over the world.

The traditional design of the abaya is a closed pull over garb. We design the abaya in the kimono style so to make it more versatile for any wear, anywhere in the world. It is modest clothing; there is nothing wrong with being fashionable while still staying true to your beliefs.

The measurements are all the same from the top mid shoulder to the ankles. The kimonos at the DXB are versatile, you can wear it so the dress drapes to the floor, or hanging above the ankles with high heels. It can be worn close for a more conservative look or wear it button-less for a more aggressive approach.

The Kimonos comes complete with a matching sheyla that can be worn to cover the hair or just to use it as a shawl.

The decorations on all our abayas are hand applied. All our garments for the ladies are strictly hand made. Dxb. Tailored.

Ma’a Salama 2017 / Marhaba 2018

As we come to the end of 2017, we at DxB Tailored would like to take a quick look back and celebrate at what we see as an amazing year not only for us, but also our customers and growing fan base. We’ve grown exponentially, gaining new experiences and friends along the way.  Our reach has taken us as far as Europe and the Far East. Our #2017bestnine of the year is as follows….

DxB Tailored’s Nine of the Best Moments of 2017!

#1 _#DxBTFeedback

We continue to get extremely positive feedback from our customers who are impressed with our designs for their comfort, material and attention to detail.

#2_Yayasan Kubra

We were blessed to have been able to collaborate with Yayasan Kubra in their mission to provide aid to Syrian Refugees during this year’s Holy month of Ramadhan. A portion of sales made during the month went towards helping Syrian refugees. Massive thank you to Yayasan Kubra as well as our customers and may your good deeds be multiplied.

#3_Muslim Lifestyle Expo

Our debut in this year’s MLE event was an eye opener and learning curve. Most importantly it helped create exposure and establish new friends and contacts such as MLE’s strongwoman Shabana Mirza and top artist Islah. We gained valuable first-hand knowledge of the ‘wants’ and ‘gaps’ in the market. Who better to fill it than us!

#4_Mens & Ladies Modest Wear Collection

Based on our positive trip to MLE, we have been working hard to capitalize on our experience and customer feedback in adapting and creating new designs for our Men & Ladies Modest Wear Collection. We’ve introduced new color schemes and material to our designs and are looking beyond the constraints of current thinking in Modest Wear Fashion.

#5_Fatih Seferagic

We were extremely blessed, honored and privileged to have been able to kit out this internationally recognized Qari during his trip to Indonesia to spread the word of peace. Fatih wore our kanduras and thoubs in various events and interviews.

#6_www.dxbtailored.com

Our new and improved website now includes the latest designs for menswear, ladieswear and will soon include childrenswear as well as various paraphernalia (e.g. hajj and umrah items). A fresh new look for a fresh new year.

 

#7_Ernest Tan

Working together with Ernest (one of the best respected Malaysian Fashion Photographers), our designs were brought to life in stunning digital imagery. His creative direction and choreography truly honed in and delivered the best images of our designs making them accessible globally through our website.

#8_Julia / Paulina / Hano

Collaborating with amazing models Julia, Paulina and Hano, our creations were brought to life in every respect. They communicate accurately how our creations can be fashioned beyond the constraints of current Modest Wear thinking.

#9_UAE National Day Giveaway

We were extremely excited to organize this giveaway event in conjunction with UAE’s 46th National Day this year. Thank you to all who participated and massive congratulations to Roslina Hanoum from Malaysia who wins a design from our collection.

Thank you everyone and look forward to making you part of our success in 2018!

Dubai Style: Kandura 101

This very traditional dress is worn throughout the Emirates. It is an ankle length garment with long sleeves and rounded neck. The neck is embellished with detailed stitching of 5 or more lines extending down in front of the chest bordering the plackets. These stitches can be decorated further with subtle traditional embroideries.

The yoke shows an inverted triangle at the back, which is characteristic of an Emirati Kandura. The long sleeves extend to just the base of the thumb, and the cuffs too are embellished with the same stitching as on the chest. The buttons are traditionally made from thread and forms a ball and a loop for the chest placket. This garment has a removable long tassel that extends on the front part to the level just below the belly button..

The fit from our house are two- regular and slim fit. This drape very nicely on whatever build you may have. If the fit were larger, we would direct you to the bespoke section where we tailor make all the garments specific to your measurements.

The Kandura has no breast pocket, has two side pockets and a 3-inch hem at the bottom. The garment is constructed in mixed polyester/cotton and typically monochrome.

The new range we have has a different coloured lining underneath the placket and in the cuffs and the two pockets.

In conclusion, the Kandura offered from the house of the DXB in Dubai are three: The classic selection which are ready to wear with generic sizing, the Nouveau two tone kandura, and the bespoke selection where you guide us with your measurements and we make one up for you.

Handmade. DXB. Tailored.

Materials

Men:

For the menswear that we offer through DxB|T, the formal Thoubs (collectively covering our Saudi, Emirati, Bahraini & Qatari ranges) are all constructed from mixed Polyester/cotton. This material is hard wearing, very comfortable and keeps it form very well. It is slightly more resistant to crease. This material also keeps its sheen and colour very well through years of wearing.

For our Jalabiyyah, the materials we use are 100% cotton. They are lighter, breathable and easier to wear. At the DxB|T, these are our seasonal offerings as the prints on the material comes and goes. So when they’re gone, they’re gone. The construction of the jalabiyyah and the subsequent materials of choice are as the clothing’s intended use- as a lounge wear, pyjama or just to totter about the house on a lazy Sunday.

Womens: Abaya & Kimonos

Crêpe

This material has been around since the 1800s. The one we especially like to use on our Abayas & Kimonos are the ones made from synthetic fibre. The yarn is warped and twisted in such a way to give our materials a textured and heftier feel. When worn, this material makes our kimonos a warm and satisfying feeling when touched. Other crêpes we use is the soft silk crêpe. This material has a smooth glossy finish that has minimal stretch and very comfortable to wear.

We use the crêpe material especially for our Autumn/ Winter range for the warmth that this material exudes. Crêpe is used for the main construction of our Abaya & Kimonos, and we also add this at the tip of the accompanying shawl the kimonos come with to match the style.

Nidha

This material, derived from 100% polyester is our standard material for Abaya. Most of the expensive abayas are constructed from this fabric. Resilient, hard wearing with a shiny hint that makes our women’s wear stand out. The Nidha gives a very nice form to our Abaya with a gracious drape and forms an elegant silhouette where it matters. Our Nidha, is from the premium range in the market and is readily appreciated when touched and worn. We use this material for the body of our Abaya and Kimonos, and also the shawl that comes with the garments.

This material can be worn perennially and very comfortable in both winter and summer.

Almas

This premium material is a blended fabric produced from Rayon fibres in plain weave. Our materials undergo the air jet looms with ultrafine microfiber for a delicate and fine feel for the final construction of our abayas. This fabric is strong and hardwearing, with colours that lasts with daily use. This material is used for the main body of our Abayas and Kimonos at the DXB.

Chiffon

We use this lightweight material that is from 100% polyester. We use this material in conjunction with other materials to form a complete garment. It is a fine material and extra care must be applied when working with chiffon. We use this material for scarves and shawl at the DXB. This material must be hand wash with care as it is a delicate fabric.

Sizing: Ladies Range

Abayas, kimonos, thoubs and kanduras are pretty confusing when it comes to sizing. When we set up DxB|Tailored, we noticed there was no consensus in the world to rationalise and standardise sizing for the modest wear.

Part of the mission for DxB|Tailored is to educate the market and promote awareness of the Middle Eastern style to the world.

Traditionally, measurements are done from the shoulder to the ankles in inches. This would then determine the size of the garment. Hence, you would get the value of 56 or 60 etc. The problem then is what does this translate to, and which part of the shoulder do you start measuring?

We at DxB|Tailored recommend using your actual height in feet to estimate the right size for your garment that we offer. Nobody readily knows the shoulder height from their ankles, but most people would know their actual height.

To simplify the sizing process, we amalgamate the traditional sizing of small, medium and large, and to incorporate these into a meaningful system when choosing our product. So here goes…

Actual Height	Shoulder Height	Traditional sizing	DxB|Tailored size for Ladies
155cm/5’1”	50”	50	X Small
160cm/5’3”	52”	52	Small
165cm/5’5”	54”	54	Medium
170cm/5’7”	56”	56	Large
175cm/5’9”	58”	58	X Large
180cm/5’11”	60”	60	XX Large

Thankfully the modest wear we offer at DxB|T is not a punishingly exact science. There are leeways in the design that can accommodate any size you wish. If you refer to our website, there is a difference in height in the two models for our women’s wear, but both are wearing the same size. Paula is 179 cm while Julia is 170 cm and both are wearing size L. Look closely at where the garments fall and drape their feet. Ladies from a more conservative culture would prefer their clothes to hide their heels (Julia). But wearing our kimonos to end the garment above the ankles makes for a more chic and modern presentation (Paula). No matter what you choose in how you look, refer to the sizing guide and make a decision on how you want to dress. For specific measurements, why not try our bespoke orders- tailored just for you…

 

Clear Conscience

One of the reasons DXB|Tailored was created was out of a need. A need to trust that the garment we bought, commensurates in terms of price and quality. Through recurrent disappointment and frustration towards the quality of the clothes 5-6 machine washes down the line, we decided that consumers, especially in the men’s modest fashion market needed a better alternative.

You see, the source of the vexation ain’t about the money. But it is the cognisance of us being duped! ‘I believed him, I even paid him tip!’ AAARRGGGHHH!

Having to throw away your clothes after only five to six wash cycles is not only S* to you, but therein lies a bigger, pernicious social disease- enter the sweatshops…

We are all aware of the catastrophic fire in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh (2012), approximately 1100 workers died- mostly children. These workers lived and worked in squalid conditions, with insane working hours. These unregulated factories have extremely poor safety records, and not to mention a pittance salary of 20 pence per day!

Unfortunately, some unlabelled modest fashion garments support these factories in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The total per unit cost of each garment produced in these factories are as low as 70 US cents! That is your material, labour cost, stitching, packaging and sometimes, shipping!

With a better alternative game plan set out, we created the DXB|Tailored to address just this. Fairness to our suppliers, fairness to the tailors and designers which result in ultimately, fairness to our customers.

It’s a tough road to take, but we feel this is right by us and by everyone in this small chain  of our business ecosystem. This way, we ensure that we not only deliver great quality garments, but we are socially sound too…

 

Muharram 1438 (2017)

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar. The Islamic New Year will be celebrated this weekend, bringing with it new spirit and aspirations for the coming year among Muslims. An old chapter closes and an new one is opened.

 

For us at DxB Tailored, Hijri 1438 (2016-2017) has been an eventful year filled with hard work, learning and most importantly fun! Our participation in events in Malaysia as well as setting up our new DxB Tailored website are certainly standout highlights.

 

Looking forward to Hijri 1439 (2017-2018), we continue to build on our success and lessons learnt from the previous year. We are hoping for an exciting and amazing year ahead not only for us but more importantly for our customers! We are currently engaged in designing and tailoring  new lines for the upcoming season which will expand our already strong male and female collection.

 

One for your diaries. We will be participating in this year’s Muslim Lifestyle Expo (MLE) event in EventCity, Manchester, United Kingdom between 28th to 29th October 2017. The Muslim Lifestyle Expo is the UK’s first multi-sector events platform that captures the best of global Muslim lifestyle, and DxB Tailored are extremely excited to be part of it! Tickets for the Expo are now on sale here: https://mle2017.eventbrite.co.uk.  Apply the unique discount code DxBTailored20 to receive a 20% discount off all ticket prices. We will be at STAND 17 so see you there!

 

Special Delivery

Feizal is in Malaysia right now and although unofficially off from his usual day job, work @ DXB|T never stops. As such, with the orders from Malaysia, and close to KL, he goes and does his usual deliveries. It’s just an extended duty to our new friends who keeps coming back to us for their garments.

We had a new realisation that the actual satisfaction in this clothes-running game is not entirely about the bottom line.   It’s about order fulfilment and delivering the goods ordered by our customers to them. It’s about asking them if our garments are fine and our customer’s are still completely satisfied with our products one year down the line despite the daily use and abuse. It’s about delivering on what we promised…