Necessity was my greatest inspiration -Padmini

Year 2023 has been an interesting year for women’s fashion but one of my favourite trends to rise this year has been the increasing number of women wearing tailored outfits . I think the likes of many fashionizes wearing them have become a statement. Hence lady dress makers have created a benchmark in the clothing industry.

I spoke to Palmitin Perren, a popular lady tailor who runs a small shop at Orchard building (Wellaway) to gain an insight into the tailoring industry.

(Q) Tell me about your self?

(A) My name is Palmitin and I always had an interest in design and clothing from a young age and frequently said “I want to be a prominent designer and dress maker”.

I had been working for many people before but my inner desire has been to start something of my own. First I was populary known among women for my perfect saree blouses. But later I started sewing Indian shalwar suits, western dresses, pants, blouses etc.

Q What sparked you to take sewing as a profession ?

(A) The tailoring industry is surprisingly unchanged, it is so unusual when I compare my job to my friends who are computer savvy. I do not use a computer write emails, or even create designs on paper.

My processes are simple and old school, for example taking measurements, writing it down on books, creating designs on my mind. I still write my invoices with pen and paper and sometimes I pick up the work and hand deliver them, if it is an urgent job. I maintain a close rapport with my clients who come from far, sometimes even from outstations. It is a satisfying job to see the end result of my hard work.

(Q) Has being a woman in the industry affected your job?

(A) No. I always believe we are equal Physically yes but creativity is the same

(Q) Do you have competition?

(A) Yes. Healthy competition is a pre-requisite for a thriving business. My working place at the Orchard building has many dress makers,both male and female.

Necessity was my greatest inspiration. I have an inner determination which is my forte. I knew I have to create a career of my own and made all arrangements to make this career path work. My family gave me the wholehearted support .

Your plans?

A I want to continue with my passion .And of course,my intention was to give my clients the best. I really had to rely on my inner determination to step up and prove myself to reach the top. When I first started my craft, I had to to depend on experienced cutters and tailors, all males of course. I never knew them personally, but only by thier reputation. I just kept telling myself “I will make a mark in my career just like them”.

(Q) How did you build your clientele?

(A) Firstly I gained their trust and thier confidence by delivering on time. Sewing is something I love and do with interest. This is the reason why my clients are always with me here in my atelier from the rich to the middle class.

(Q) When did you start your own business?

(A) That was my biggest challenging to date. I always had a huge learning curve. I have never reached the point of wanting to walk away from it all. I had always been a perfectionist with my work,Precision and accuracy are my motto that governs my work. There is no perfect size only the perfect fit. My proudest moments are seeing my clients love what I do for them. Smiles beaming from my clients, when they slip into an outfit tailored by me is my greatest satisfaction.