This month much of my time has been focused on creating ‘bespoke’ work for my clients. The dictionary definition of ‘bespoke’ is when something is made for a particular customer fulfilling a brief that they have requested. Hence it can be a bespoke scarf, bag, cushion or lantern. I am in essence producing something that is unique, made to measure and hand crafted. Of course it has to be beautiful, an individual item and very special.

You may well ask, why would you ask me to make a bespoke scarf when you can simply pick a scarf ‘off the shelf’ from many retail outlets? There are a variety of reasons that my clients give me for why they want something ‘bespoke’ rather than a ‘mass produced’ item that everyone else can buy too.

Firstly they want an extra special gift that can’t be just bought from any old shop! They want to demonstrate the fact that much thought has gone into the gift so the receiver knows that they have given a lot of their thought, time and energy into making that happen.

Secondly many of my clients come to me at a time of a special occasion and they need something extra special. For instance Nadine Cooper this month asked me to create a very special silk scarf for her mother in law’s 80^th birthday. The bespoke scarf I created for her has her 5 grandchildren’s portraits and their dog too! I have been told that Dorothy (grandmother) absolutely loved it and thought it was very clever!

Many of my bespoke items are then kept as mementos and keepsakes. Some of my customers tell me that the scarf will be treasured and passed down to the next generation. Feedback like these makes me feel very emotional and honoured that I have helped to create such a gift that will be very long lasting. I myself have a hand-embroidered shawl that my 94-year-old grandmother gave me that I treasure and will eventually pass to my daughter.

Finally you may ask why should you ask me to produce a bespoke scarf and not any other textiles designer? Well in answer to that I would say that as owner of Barinder Designs I believe that I listen very carefully to what my clients are asking for. I develop these ideas for them and keep them informed of the progress. During the initial stages of the commission I will ask them for feedback and may show them a sample of fabric to check colours etc and make sure that they are happy. I am always happy to modify if need be. Also a huge benefit is the fact that all my silk is UK sourced and then printed locally here in Nottingham which allows me a quick turnaround. Sometimes this can be as quickly as within 2 weeks of an order being placed to completion. Price wise I know I am competitive and give ‘Value for money’. I have commercial industrial knowledge of trends analysis, thus, my clients can rest assured that the scarf will sit well in their wardrobe. I will have researched colour trends too.

In conclusion my testimonials speak for themselves as I pride myself on the highest quality of customer care and design that I am able to give them. So why not give something bespoke this Christmas that will last a lifetime and isn’t ‘just off the shelf’!