Heera Fashion, a Hong Kong-based bespoke tailoring service, recently made its first foray into the Canadian market. This review details a firsthand experience with their visiting tailor service, offering insights into the process, fabric selection, quality of construction, and overall customer experience. This detailed account will help you understand what to expect from Heera Fashion.
Heera Fashion: Process and First Impressions
The process began with a consultation with fitter Peter Chettiar. Chettiar’s personable approach made for a comfortable experience. As with any bespoke service, clear communication and thorough research are crucial for achieving desired results. The importance of detailed instructions and realistic expectations for a single fitting service cannot be overstated.
Fabric Selection: Limited Choices for the Canadian Market
The fabric selection presented during this initial visit to Canada was notably limited, primarily featuring lower-tier Italian mills. Suiting and shirting options leaned towards lighter weights, more suitable for milder climates. Heavier fabrics like tweeds and flannels were absent, and the premium selection lacked the variety often expected by discerning customers familiar with renowned mills like Fox or Minnis. Shirting fabrics, while decent, lacked options from higher-end mills and favored solids and bolder stripes over classic patterns like gingham or tattersal. The absence of Sea Island cotton or similar quality options was also noted. Inquiries about specific mills went unanswered.
Garment Construction and Fit: A Promising Start
Despite the fabric limitations, the quality of construction was commendable. The sportcoat fit was acceptable for a first commission, with accurate lapel width, sleeve and jacket length. Three patch pockets were executed well in terms of shape, size, and placement. Minor adjustments, such as a more fitted silhouette and improved lapel roll, will be requested for future commissions. The fitter correctly identified and accommodated a slight shoulder asymmetry. While the default shoulder construction included minimal padding, natural shoulders will be specified for the next order to assess Heera Fashion’s capabilities in this area.
The complimentary shirts provided were a pleasant surprise. The fit was good for a first attempt, though some adjustments will be necessary. Collars, while unfused, were quite stiff. Overall, the shirts surpassed most MTM or factory-made options but fell short of higher-end bespoke shirtmakers.
Communication and Customer Service: Room for Improvement
Communication with Heera Fashion via email was generally adequate, though occasional follow-up emails were needed to elicit responses. A request for a broader selection of flannel suitings for the next visit was acknowledged, but the specific mills remain unconfirmed. The lack of response regarding the availability of fabrics from specific high-end mills was a notable drawback.
Areas for Improvement: Buttons, Linings, and Communication
Some disappointments included the default use of plastic buttons instead of the expected horn and mother-of-pearl for jackets and shirts, respectively. This oversight, attributed to an assumption on the customer’s part, will reportedly be rectified in future orders. Lining, whether standard or upgraded, incurred an extra charge. More proactive communication and a wider fabric selection, especially in higher-end options, would significantly enhance the overall experience. The possibility of providing one’s own fabric has yet to be explored.
Heera Fashion: A Value Proposition in the Bespoke Market?
Overall, the experience with Heera Fashion was positive. The quality of construction and the initial fit of the garments, especially considering the price point, were encouraging. While acknowledging that Heera Fashion doesn’t yet rival the quality of renowned bespoke houses, it represents a significant step up from previous MTM experiences. Future commissions will provide a better understanding of Heera Fashion’s potential for long-term customer satisfaction. The hope is for expanded fabric choices and more responsive communication in future visits.
