buying fringe in Cairo?

[tigerb]

So having excitedly told my dancer friends that I am going to Cairo in March, they have started to give me shopping lists.

I've repeatedly said "no" to actual costume requests, but I've had so many requests for "real Egyptian fringe" that I'm considering buying some fringe sets while I'm there, if it's actually a deal.

Have you ever bought fringe in Cairo... know a good dealer... think it's actually cheaper bought there?

Thanks much!

[leylalanty]

Watch out for luggage weight considerations. Fringe sets weigh a lot and if you bring back more than 2 or 3, you can easily go over your weight allowance when you add in the costumes you buy for yourself. You're right to refuse to buy costumes for people - too many things can go wrong when you're buying big ticket items for other people. I've been asked many many times and I refuse. I take orders only for small, lightweight items, demand payment in advance - and I cash all checks before leaving home.

As for the fringe sets, I haven't bought any lately, but would advise that cheap is and cheap does. The bargain sets may not be very sturdy. Buyer beware.

And have a great trip!!! Wish I could go now too!

[Monica]

Originally Posted by tigerb

Have you ever bought fringe in Cairo... know a good dealer... think it's actually cheaper bought there?

I have bought fringe in Cairo and it is definitely cheaper. I was happiest with the quality and color/length selection at good old Mahmoud al Ghafar's in the Khan al Khalili (his shop is called Al Wikalah).

Have fun!

[mekyria]

I second mahmoud's store. It's also a great place for folcloric costumes (Saidi, meleya), skirts and basic items like zills and canes. He's probably not the cheapest, but his fringe is very high quality so I wouldn't think twice about buying fringe from him. You can pay cash or by credit card.

[*Shira*]

I third Mahmoud abdel Ghaffar's store, Al-Wikala, as a source for high-quality fringe. His shop consists of 4 stories of sparklies, so it can keep you busy an entire afternoon. His prices really are lower than what you'd be able find from U.S. vendors.

And I agree with Leyla that you need to be VERY cautious about agreeing to bring back goodies for anyone else. Luckily, I've never been burned in doing so, but I know of other people who have. Things that can go wrong: 1) The stuff for everyone else fills so much of your suitcase that there's no room left for YOUR stuff. 2) The other person whines that they don't like it when they see what you brought, and wants to get out of paying you for it because of that. 3) Overweight charges for your luggage for the return trip home - these are EXPENSIVE.

Some tips:

1. Make the other person be VERY specific about what they want - fringe length, etc. Swatches showing desired colors are good.
2. Take a tape measure with you.
3. Take a written shopping list with you.
4. Make the other person pay you in full before you leave the U.S. No money, no sparklies!

[ouroboros]

A photo I took of one of his "walls o' fringe".
http://www.shahrahzad.com/images/WallOfFringe.jpg

[auraevans]

Nice photo!

[auraevans]

When I was there I bought fringe from El Wikalah also. It is the best quality.

I agree with others about the weight. It will weigh your luggage down really fast and the airlines charge for overweight bags.

I paid $20 per meter for the 8" long fringe when I was there.

[leylalanty]

I third Mahmoud Abd el Ghaffar's store!! Been buying costumes and other stuff from him for 15 years and have never been disatisfied.

[MariaAya]

If you find your self in Khan al Halili, ask for Mohamed Goma's place.
I have bought the best fringe from him (silver - 10 cm long) I recall it was something like 15 euro per metre while in Greece cost 42 euro per metre the same quality etc.
Also 5th Mahmoud's store, but usual dont have so much time to dig under the huge mountains of bellydance objects.

Maria Aya