bellydance costumes in Istanbul

Costumes costumes!! Ahhh how we neeeeed the glitter!

Costumes are of very good quality in İstanbul generally speaking, though there are some lesser quality versions around. But any conversation about Turkish costumes must start with Bella whose costumes are, in my opinion, the finest in the world. You can find her website at http://www.bella.com/ but you have to become a member which means you have to buy something from her before you are allowed to enter her website. Too many people have stolen her designs so she keeps it very hush hush. When you visit Istanbul, you can send me an email and I can send directions in English or Turkish for the taxi. ıf you go, don't barter, her prices are fixed and she gets cranky about it.

There are many costume choices in the Grand Bazar and the range in value and quality is very broad. You can buy ready made or place a custom order which can be ready within 7 days. Of course, if you are buying in bulk and with cash, you can get very good discounts, but in the Grand Bazar always barter in every case. Don't be shy. Offer cash and offer less than they ask. Never say you HAVE TO have this costume. Say you are also looking at another costume at blah blah place for less money and then wait for a better offer. Don't worry if they seem offended, it's part of doing business. Be firm. My 2 favorites are http://www.maycostum.com/ and just 2 doors away is ottantik costumes, whose website doesn't appear to be working now. If you want professional quality costumes, ask for them as they often keep them in the back. There is also Alibaba, the largest bellydance store in the Bazar with alot of variety, but the costumes tend to be of lower quality. Go upstairs, there is the best changing room in the Bazar there with the costumes inside and you try on as many as you like! Barter hard here if you find a costume you like, there are many costumers in the Bazar so they have to be competitive.

There are also a few costumers in the Taksim area who are definitely worth visiting. See http://www.legendcostumes.com or Simi Moda Evi at http://www.bellydancercostume.net .
Quality is very good You can order color, design etc to your liking and they can usually finish in 7-10 days. If you purchase a large order there are discounts but for one costume the price is fixed.

For those who prefer to make their own costumes, I recommend a trip to Tahtakale, behind the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü. Go in the front door of the Spice Bazar and go straight through to the back door and don't turn. Go straight up the street you see out the door and you will see bead stores and coin stores and crystal gem stores and so on. Prices are quite good. I sometimes buy a simple costume for less money and add the crystal gems and beads myself so I get the design I want for a better price. You can also find nice fabric in the Grand Bazar.

For those of the Tribal persuasion, the best place for tribal stuff is the Grand Bazar. Buy in bulk (by the kilo) to get the best prices. Join with friends to buy your fabulous tribal bangles and go carefully through the stuff to be sure it has no missing beads etc. If there are missing beads, barter harder! Then go to Tahtakale and buy the beads and super glue them into the piece :)

Any other questions? Email me ferda.bayazit@ferda.ca or ferdabayazit@hotmail.com