There was a time when Eid was a ‘DIY’ event, especially when it came to clothes for kids. If your little one was to wear new clothes on Eid you had to ‘do-it-yourself’ (DIY). To be honest, you ran to your moms and khalas and phuphos to do it for you. There were so many talented needlepoint craftswomen within the four walls of the family unit that there seemed to be no need to waste money on your child’s celebratory costume. After all, how many times would the attire be worn through the year before they outgrew them?

It was also considered a privilege both by the wearer and the family artisan to have the ‘Eid suit’ lovingly made at home for the little one. As time passed, there came the days when mothers had to look for the right material, gota, dupattas not to mention design ideas and dole out money to the local tailor to make up for the lack of skills or time that they might not have.

DIY NO MORE

Times have changed. With the influx of prêt wear for adults in the last few years, high street fashion retailers have come to realise the huge potential market for a ready-to-wear children’s line. Boys have always had the advantage of being able to find something to wear instantly and as an added bonus it is usually a mirror image of their dad’s clothes. Girls have only recently been able to purchase styles that their mothers are rocking.

Gone are the days when children’s dresses were made at home. Now high street fashion retailer are coming up with kids’ lines as well

MAMA’S MATERIAL

The shops that were catering to the clothing needs of boys and girls were skimping on quality big time, especially when it came to the kind of material they were using. It was mainly about how fancy they could make the outfit look in order to make parents gush over their children. The point that was being missed was that children are fussy, have soft, delicate skin and they move, a lot! Tissue, organza and taffeta are not ideal for this situation.

Children either refused to get into their clothes or tore them irreparably, not to mention to the embarrassment of their elders. The biggest change that has come about in recent times is that the quality of material used for children has come up to par with adult outfits. This season don’t put your child through the discomfort of ill-fitting, rough material suits. Nearly every designer that you visit has a children’s line, so ask for that and splurge on your little one, because they don’t cut back on the process just because it’s a bite-sized outfit.

YOUR TINY SHADOW

If you wear the latest trends, why can’t your babies? Gone are the days when they would be made to frolic about in ghararas and lehngas while you wore the latest short kameez and palazzo. Designers have the most adorable way of replicating ‘mummy’ designs for little ladies. The charm and innocence of these outfits sets your child apart even if they do look like your tiny shadows. So don’t stress about cuts and lengths. They are the same for your kids as they are for you this season. Short angarkhas teamed up with straight pants or flared trousers will make your child look trendy as well as be comfortable thanks to the fashion houses that cater to little ones.

DUPATTAS TO DIE FOR

Mum might have shunned the dupatta but baby has got to have it. One of the most noticeable differences between mama couture and baby couture is that little girls’ outfits always have a small dupatta, like an accessory without which the look would remain incomplete. It demurely sits nestled against their throats but it is very much in presence. Just like boys have the essential waistcoats this season.

PARENTS’ POINT OF VIEW

Some parents are relieved that they don’t have to run pillar to post to buy good clothes for their children but can simply get the latest designs at designer boutiques and high-end retail stores. “I have always had to run to a million places in order to put one small outfit together, and to be honest I am not the best at mixing and matching colours like a designer does. I am happy to see so many places that sell quality clothes for children,” shares Sadia, a mother of two.

Times have changed. With the influx of prêt wear for adults in the last few years, high street fashion retailers have come to realise the huge potential market for ready-to-wear children’s line.

Nargis agrees with Sadia. “It is time-saving and hassle-free, not to mention my young one’s demand to look fashion forward,” says the mother of two teens. “The new generation is aware of the latest trends more so than we can ever be and sometimes I need to sacrifice in order to meet the clothing demands of my teenage daughter.”

But other parents are put off by the high price tag — especially since most children outgrow their clothes so quickly. Uzma, a mother of three young girls says, “Buying ready-to-wear for all my three children is out of the question purely due to the price. It is a complete waste to spend 4,000 rupees on an outfit for a four-year-old who will outgrow it in a matter of months. Admittedly children’s clothing today is very tempting but it is not worth the money.”

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 18th, 2017