B’ Lan the Best Little Tailor in Hoi An
Posted on August 26, 2007
When we were planning our trip months ago we read a lot about custom clothes tailoring in Hoi An. We were interested in the idea, (c was very interested) but had heard lots of stories about shoddy work and unhappy customers so were a little worried. As it turned out we had a wonderful experience with a tailor called B’ Lan, who became a friend and a guide during our time in Hoi An. She was one of the nicest and most special people we’ve met during our travels.
A little background; the variety of tailors in Hoi An is overwhelming when you first arrive. Most shops are almost identical, with the same clothes displayed on an army of mannequins and aggressive staff out front asking you to come in and see the shop, or ‘buy something.’ We found this intimidating and were put off of looking for too long since we felt the sales pressure as soon as we looked at one thing for more than 2 seconds.
When we came upon B’ Lan’s shop, it was immediately apparent that it was very different. (Her shop is at 23 Tran Phu St, website is www.hoianblan.com) The store doesn’t have many clothes on display, in fact the front is given over to B’Lan’s brother’s stone carving work and sister’s embroidery. Once you go through the back you see bolts of colorful fabric neatly stacked, a few tasteful mannequins, and the smiling face of B’ Lan. A beautiful and intelligent lady of (we think!) around 45, B’lan has only one store and she deals personally with each customer with the help of a very nice assistant.
The atmosphere in the shop is very festive. It’s clear that B’ Lan’s customers all like her very much, and it was fun talking to everyone. She is such a sweet person. She assured us that we brought her luck since someone ordered 6 suits from her an hour after we first went in to the store.
As for the clothes, Gregor had a pair of shorts he really likes copied in 2 different fabrics, and had 2 short-sleeve and 3 long-sleeve shirts made. It was a real revelation for G to have shirts fit his broad shoulders and slim torso! Caitlin got her favorite linen trousers copied in 3 other colors of linen - a godsend as the originals had been patched and mended in Vientiane, but were still on the verge of falling apart. The copies were perfect. C also fulfilled a life-long dream to own a silk chinese cheongsam jacket - something previously impossible as they make chinese jackets for chinese-sized people! Caitlin also went overboard with a silk skirt and kimono just because she could and because it was fun! (I wished Monika had been with me to help me choose the fabrics, though!!! -cm).
All in all we had a lot of fun having 13 pieces of clothing made for way less than half of what one of C’s handbags costs. Each piece was done for us overnight, and then a second night if adjustments had to be made. Throughout the process we became friends with B’Lan - chatting with her about everything from our families to the Vietnamese government. One of our favorite moments with her was when she asked us which part of Australia we were from! She was utterly astounded to hear that C is American and G is Scottish. She had us pegged for Aussies because she said we were friendly and open without being blunt or loud. [Vietnamese people thinking we are Australian has been a theme for us here, but that is for another post!]
When we went in for the last time B’lan took us out and bought us a dinner of vietnamese pancakes at a locals-only spot. It turned out to be a full on meal involving roll-them-yourself spring rolls, and many plates of different fillings. We couldn’t figure out whether it was rude to say no when she rolled another pancake and handed it to us after we were completely sated, so we just kept eating! We had a lot of fun chatting with her and enjoying a Hoi An local specialty.
It was very special to meet and get to know B’Lan. We felt flattered that she singled us out for friendship - AND for a delicious dinner! As we left her shop for the last time, B’Lan pressed a pretty silk cushion cover into our hands; a gift to say thank you for our business and I hope for our friendship.
B’ Lan and her assistant.
Comments
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
How fun it all sounds. Hugs.
So Mummy’s little Sosij is slim now,eh?
Ha ha. Mummy’s little Sosij. Ahhh…funny. Well, your little haggis is slimmer now, but I wouldn’t enter her in any bikini competitions just yet. Although her teats don’t drag on the carpet, their perky pinkness protrudes prominently from beneath her fur. We hope that you both are doing well, Caitlin and MLS.
“All in all we had a lot of fun having 13 pieces of clothing made for way less than half of what one of C’s handbags costs.”
But were those 13 pieces cheaper than one of G’s ‘man-bags’?
This trip sounds CRAP, I was in the office for 4 hours today (Labor Day) ! I bet you’re jealous as hell.
By the way G, Paul Stafford was here last week. He’s doing well.
It’s not Scottish, so must be crap. Too bad they’re making you work, you are much better at leisure.
I concur.
I demand a photo fashion show!
I have been going to B’Lan for 3 years now. She is a great friend and like a sister to me. I would recommend her shop to anyone going to hoi an, not just for getting clothes made, but to see her beautiful shop, and make a friend.