Smock It Up!

This is what I wrote for the DNA newspaper....

 Smock It Up!

If you are looking for something you will never outgrow, something that will always be a fashion statement then take a another minute to change your mind about going to the closest store and picking up for yourself those most unique pieces of clothing.

Hand smocked and embroidered dresses have a history which goes back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries where people of those eras used to literally only live and breathe in them. But now it is meant for only "little girls" which was such a huge trend for all ages back then.

Smocking is derived from the word "smock" which means a farmer's work shirt. Hence it was the most basic form of clothing and something everyone took to wear.

 
It is said that “True Smocking” is always stitched by hand.

There are two types of smocking: English and Traditional.

English is usually preferred over by most people as it requires less of human labour. A pleater is usually used which makes life much easier too.
On the other hand, traditional smocking is basically pleats added to the fabric as it is stitched. It is very strenuous but is more appealing to the eye.

 

Smocking is done not only for little princesses but on pillows, bed linen and you'll be surprised what great night gowns they can make too.
Everyone can take to this. Just needs a little time and effort.
It is a great pass time especially for stay at home moms. There are so many of them who are extremely passionate about this skill.

“It started out as a hobby stitching clothes for my family and slowly in time the business grew. Currently, I produce around 400 dresses a month and take mainly on orders. The prices of my dresses are quite reasonable depending on the amount of work done on them. The demand is very high today but because it is labour intensive the production is much lower. I have trained school dropouts and the underprivileged to work for me. All I try to do with all my heart is to revive this dying art.” says Mrs Ramona Patel, owner of a workshop which specializes in this art in Benson Town.

These dresses are simple yet look so elegant to wear. They could be worn at a birthday party or just a regular day at school.

Those who feel shy to wear them can opt for smocked tops and maxis.

The other good thing is that there are dresses for every season. They could be worn in Spring using some great ready pastel colours, at Summer with the brightest of bright and in Winter with knitted stockings.

Today, there are so many exhibitions held all over the city to showcase these dresses which have so much of creativity in them such as the Handmade Collective.

There is a lot of enthusiasm among young children admiring the rusticity of their dresses and a hell a lot of them love to show off too.

It is definitely something which will never die out. So get back the old school look. You will not be in for a disappointment.