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SCMP Reporter

AMONG the crowds clogging the footpaths and arcades of Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong's most entrenched business rivalries is engaged in another bout.

With tourists flocking to the territory for a dash of pre-Christmas shopping and workers looking ahead optimistically to their end-of-year bonuses, Hong Kong's internationally-renowned tailors are sparring for business in what is traditionally their busiest sales period.

Sales agents armed with 'specials' leaflets stand on Nathan Road street corners trying to drum up custom from the passing parade. Tailors clutching tape measures stand outside their shops, tempting potential customers with special deals.

In such a climate, the street-smart suit buyer with a brain for bargaining is almost certain to seal a good deal.

At Rocky's (HK) Fashions, in Middle Road near the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, two-piece men's suits sell for between $990 and $2,000, depending on the fabric.

 A 100 per cent cotton business shirt sells for about $200, while a poly-cotton shirt goes for about $150.

A top-quality women's slacks-jacket or skirt-jacket suit sells from $1,200.

 An all-season English flannel cashmere suit will cost about $1,900.

Of course, package deals - where a customer buys several garments - can be arranged, reducing the price per garment.

Hong Kong has been carving its reputation as one of the best places in the world to go suit shopping for more than 50 years.

 Its cheap labour and duty-free port has meant prices have remained comparably low.

Rocky's chief tailors, brothers Philip and Rocky Paryani, have been plying their trade since arriving in Hong Kong from Bombay 28 years ago.

They believe that while price is a major factor as to which tailor wins the customer's patronage, workmanship and the time taken to produce the garment also count. 'Price is important but it's not the only thing,' Philip, 50, said.

 'If the quality is not up to scratch, people won't come back.' In a good year, the company made up to 250 suits a month leading up to Christmas, with trade soaring by as much as 30 per cent, Rocky said.

'October, November and December are always busy months,' Philip, 45, said. 'The weather is good for tourists, people are shopping for Christmas and winter is coming.' Like most Hong Kong tailors, Philip and Rocky import fabrics from Europe, particularly England, Scotland, Italy and Germany.

At the company's factory in Tsim Sha Tsui, four cutters and 30 sewers are employed to make the garment after a customer has been measured and he or she has chosen the style and material.

Small stitches, known in the trade as Shanghai stitches, are usually used to enhance the garment's quality and durability. Garments can be completed within two days.

Rocky said Italian-style suits, featuring double-breasted jackets and baggy, pleated trousers, had been popular this year.

He said houndstooth sports jackets, selling for about $990, had been popular with women.

'Overall, people seem to be after garments they can wear for all seasons with fabrics that are easy to care for,' he said.

  Philip said many customers asked to have garments copied from fashion magazines. 'That's the great thing about having a suit tailored - it can be any style, in any fabric, in any colour. It's whatever the customer wants.' Across the arcade from Rocky's (HK) Fashions, Harry Mohini, 48, said recommendations from customer to customer were the lifeblood of Hong Kong tailors.

Mr Mohini, who arrived in Hong Kong from Madras in 1969, said most tailors' customers were made up of 70 per cent tourists and 30 per cent local residents.

'If you run a good business, you get people coming back to you each time they come to Hong Kong, so it's important to satisfy the customer,' he said.

Mr Mohini said he conducted sales trips to Europe and Australia about three times a year to develop new sales and build on existing contacts.

'Mail orders for export make up about 20 per cent of my sales, so it's an important avenue for business,' he said.



Now good time to pick up a 'snip' from HK tailors