Thread: brand names-costumes

I'd like to know that the general consensus of Mumtaz and Mamdouh Salama. How do they compare to other brands? Do they have any common flaws or great features?



I had never heard of Mumtaz or Mamdouh Salama before I saw them at the bellydancestore, so I don't know how long they have been around.


Thanks!

Mumtaz is from the family of Madame Abla or worked in Abla's shop (I don't have my details totally straight, but something like that), I haven't bought one yet, but looking at them in person, I think the quality is really high. And the styles are a little updated from what Abla used to do.

My opinion, and others may differ with Mahmoud is:

Very fashion/fad oriented but not quality workmanship. Hot glue, sloppy hotfix, cheap beading...but interesting design ideas.

I would not buy one new. I could see buying one if my clientelle was up on fashions and demanded the latest stuff...

I have seen and worn several mamdouh's.
In fact for what it's worth I have had my hands on just about every designer's work so I'll give my own little run down but mumtaz I am not familiar with.
Mamdouh varies. Sometimes they are amazing! How they do all that hotfixing is beyond me. The designs are very modern and different. No cookie cutters here!
Emans and Hanans are well designed but I spend most of my time fixing them for other people. I probably see one a week with something needing help. Mainly everyone wants the cups closer together and for some reason the beads are always falling off and they are never hemmed. They also tend to not be flattering on anybody above a full D
Ablas are extremely well made but the bras are almost always square which can be really unflattering on larger chested and larger ribcages.
Noussa is hands down the best. Most comfortable and flattering bras with beadwork that stands the test of time. However they all look the same. Bella too. Amazing workmanship but they all look the same.
Halla Moustafa is an awesome designer but again stuff is always falling apart! The construction is not so good. I have redone maybe 6 different Halla costumes in the last year.
Aziz is the same as Mamdouh. It really varies depending on how busy they are. Sometimes it's great but once in a while you'll see one with a sloppy glue job and a funky fit.
Pharonics are my absolute favorite. But everyone knows how spectacular they are! I like to be able to pick out the designer by the beading detail not by the design. If I can tell who it is from a mile away I get bored.
The only designers I haven't tried on are Raqia, Mumtaz and Sahar
JMO

I think you mean Mamdoh?

B

Originally Posted by ozma

My opinion, and others may differ with Mahmoud is:

Very fashion/fad oriented but not quality workmanship. Hot glue, sloppy hotfix, cheap beading...but interesting design ideas.

I would not buy one new. I could see buying one if my clientelle was up on fashions and demanded the latest stuff...

Originally Posted by rakkasah_barbara

I think you mean Mamdoh?

B

I think you're right, my mistake, I do mean Mamdoh (the one who likes to use Rocco wear zipper pulls and keyring bling sometimes?)

I suspect that his quality fluctuates.

Yes also in my experience the quality does fluctuate.
Funny note, I have one costume by him which has a Guess ring for the signature bra closure LOL

B

Originally Posted by ozma

I think you're right, my mistake, I do mean Mamdoh (the one who likes to use Rocco wear zipper pulls and keyring bling sometimes?)

I suspect that his quality fluctuates.

I've seen several Mamdouh's up close, and yeah, the quality varies. When I was in Egypt, you could definitely see the difference when browsing through his stuff..... but his better quality stuff is quite beautiful and flattering for many shapes.

The one thing that bugs me about a lot of Mamdouh's is that if he uses a sequin material, he doesn't always line things considerably well around the edges, so when I put one on they are kind of scratchy around the edges. I love the look of a lot of his designs though. I'm going to confirm that it appears some of his are better made than others.

While we are on the subject - this Mumtaz bra, belt matched with the Pharoanics skirt set now at the belly dance store is sooooo stunning in person, the photo does not do the incredible sparkle and richness of this costume justice at all. The bra can handle a pretty full cup size. I was with a friend who is full C small D when she tried this on, almost bought it, but got another mumtaz bra belt in stead, which was also drop dead gorgeous in person.

Somebody should buy these together....



Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery

Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery

Is this the Mamdoh in question? Oriental Moon Atelier - Leading Designers in Raqs Sharqi Couture

Because there is also the Mamdouh from Safticraft, Mamdouh Morise: Egyptian belly dance costumes, Egyptian hip scarves,belly dancing hip scarves-Egypt

I don't know about Momdoh. I was thinking Momdouh who does all the hotfixing and is sold on the bellydancestore.
Can someone tell us the deifference in detail?

Ok I was talking about orientalmoon not safti craft. So Mamdoh is the one I have experience with.
I'd love to see a thread with a list of egyptian designer's websites.

Mamdouh Salama

Originally Posted by ozma

My opinion, and others may differ with Mahmoud is:

Very fashion/fad oriented but not quality workmanship. Hot glue, sloppy hotfix, cheap beading...but interesting design ideas.

I would not buy one new. I could see buying one if my clientelle was up on fashions and demanded the latest stuff...

Yes to all of this. On my last trip I was excited to see his stuff because I loved what was on his web site. I was so disappointed by the amount of glue used that I ended up not purchasing anything. I liked a lot of his designs, but the workmanship wasn't there for me. I'm not sure how many people he has working for him, but the quality regarding fit and finishing seemed to vary from piece to piece. I will give him kudos for sticking to his vision, though. A girl I was with was interested in a mini skirt but wanted him to add some chiffon at the bottom. He felt it would not be true to his intentions of the original design and would not do it. It was kind of nice to see him stand up for his art and not compromise for money.

Andalee - about half of what I sell is from Mamdouh Morise. He delivers a quality product at an affordable price. I like dealing with him and his family. They are very nice and have always been more than fair.