How to Make Funky Pants
in Ten Easy Steps
14th June 2006
I've gone through many fashion phases, despite having the fashion sense
of a stoned chameleon. I've gone from the Alternate
Hippy look, to the Bespectacled and Bleached
look, to the Rock Star look, to the Caveman
Look and even to the Downright Loopy look.
The only thing that could even be vaguely considered fashionable was the
Business Geek look.
Another Country, Another
Fashion Look
My clothes started to become very tatty in the Philippines and
really needed replacing. Instead of getting them from some big
ugly corporate, I figured I'd get some custom-made for me in
Africa. That way I'd be supporting the person who actually makes
the stuff, which seems pretty cool to me.
How To Get Pants Made in
a Refugee Camp
Step One - Find a Vendor
The local market at Buduburum
has many fine clothing vendors.
Step Two - Choose the Material
Be sure to go for something just suitably African and maybe just a
tad funky.
Step Three - Haggle
Not matter how much you try, you will always be charged a
westerner tax. Count yourself lucky if you get it for 20,000
cedi a yard ($NZ 3.45). Three yards is enough for a pair of
pants.
Step Four - Take Said Material to a Tailor
These are scattered all over camp. If all else fails, wait
for the guy with the sewing machine on his head (seriously) to walk
by.
Step Five - Haggle
Once again, expect the westerner tax. A pair of pants should
cost you around 40,000 cedi ($NZ 6.90).
Step Six - Wait
Overnight is exceptional. "A few days" is
expected.
Step Seven - Pick up the Pants
Minor alterations are to be expected.
Step Eight - Warm Fuzzies
Experience the warm fuzzies that you get when you support the
people that make the product.
Step Nine - Receive Compliments From
Friends
"Say Malcolm, those are some mighty fine pants."
Step Ten - Feel Trendy
Especially when people say that they too are going to get a pair
of "Malcolm Pants" made.
Wrap Up
I like my over-the-top pants. They're cool. I have also
had a couple of shirts made. See here and
here for pictures.
Questions? Comments? Try contacting
me.
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(c)
2005 and 2006 Malcolm Trevena.
All the stuff on this site is written by me, Malcolm Trevena. Feel free to
link to this page. Heck, you can even copy stuff from here if you
want. Just make sure you sight me as a reference.
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