Lace is a very common part of women’s clothing. A huge selection of lace has been developed in the Priyangon Market of the capital’s Science Lab.
Just a century ago, lace was a symbol of luxury. That elite element is now open to everyone. Although it has disappeared from men’s clothing, it is a very common part of women’s clothing. This element of clothing is available not only in nearby markets, but also on the roadside and sidewalks, and even in hawker vans. Many people flock to the Priyangon Market of the capital’s Science Lab to look for various types of exotic lace.
I went there at 11 am on August 21. Entering the market, the first lace shop on the left side of the stairs caught my eye. It was called Mohana Lace House. The manager, Mohammad Sajeeb, had just opened the shop. He showed me a few of the thousands of designs of lace and introduced them to me. Yarn, cross stitch, Jaipuri, chemical, karchupi, cutwork, kundan, net and many more. Chemical lace is the most popular these days, said Sajeeb. These laces, designed with fine thread, are attached to the sleeves, neck and hangings of shirts. Many people also wear these laces under pajamas. Sajeeb said that chemical laces are imported from China. Their price is the lowest. Depending on the size and design, the price is 5 to 30 taka per yard.
Sajeeb also gave an idea of the price of other laces. The price of cross stitch lace is 15 to 50 taka per yard. The price of Jaipuri and cutwork lace is 60 to 300 taka per yard. Karchupi and kundan laces are the most expensive, priced at 100 to 500 taka per yard.
Many people like to wear lace that matches the color of their clothes. Photo: Kabir Hossain
As we were talking, Fahmida Haque came looking for light pink lace. She often comes here to buy lace. Fahmida said that adding a little lace to a very light print fabric makes it look different. Apart from that, you can create something completely different from your own. She likes to add lace to match the color of the clothes.
Several other buyers who came to buy lace said that the price of lace is much higher than before. They think that the number of buyers is high, so the sellers do not want to lower the price. However, the sellers say otherwise. There are several shops along the stairs inside the market. The lace shop on the right side of the stairs on the second floor is called Medina Lace Ghar. Shop employee Omar Farooq said that all the lace comes from India and China. Not much is made in the country. That is why the price is a little high. Apart from that, they selectively bring the laces that the buyers like.
After visiting a few other shops in the market, it was understood that white, gray and black laces are the most popular. They are used in everyday wear. However, there is a demand for all types of lace depending on the season, such as brides making wedding veils from lace, lace thread and kundan lace. Many people also use lace on their gorgeous sarees. Some people use thin lace around their veils and thick net lace to wear under their pajamas.
All lace comes from India and China Photo: Kabir Hossain
Over time, the lace shops were getting crowded. The shopkeepers were also getting busy. Bargaining was going on. If you buy in large quantities, the prices are reduced a lot. You can find lace of various designs at Chandni Chowk Market, Chandrima Market, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Mohammadia Market, Uttara Rajlakshmi, Mirpur Nannu Market, Mouchak Market and on the sidewalk in front of Azimpur Eden Women’s College. The prices will be like this.
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
