From Mohammed Rafi to Modern Day Bandra: The Timeless Tailoring Legacy of S.S. Dias & Co.

When one thinks of Bandra’s bustling Hill Road, images of street stalls, fashion boutiques, and the signature Mumbai buzz come to mind. But nestled amid the commercial chaos is a shop that predates almost everything around it — S.S. Dias & Co. Men’s Wear, a nearly century-old tailoring institution that’s quietly stitched itself into the very fabric of Mumbai’s history.

Located at 51, Bindiya Building, Hill Road, Bandra West (right opposite Bank of India), this establishment is far more than a tailor shop. It’s a living, breathing museum of Mumbai’s fashion and cultural legacy.

From Colonial India to Cosmopolitan Mumbai

Founded in 1930 by S.S. Dias, the shop began at a time when every outfit was tailored and fitted, long before the words “ready-to-wear” entered the Indian lexicon. It was an era of elegance — and tailoring was an art form.

The baton was passed to his sons — John, Bento, Anthony, Julius, and Francis — who carried the business through the post-Independence decades. Today, it’s the founder’s grandsons, Sebastian Dias and Ryan Dias, who continue the tradition, still operating under the name S.S. Dias & Co.

After the passing of Francis Mark Dias, who spent over 70 years mastering the art of the cut, the family’s legacy lives on in every stitch and seam.

The Star-Studded Stitch List

This isn’t your average tailoring shop — it’s been trusted by icons:

• 🎤 Mohammed Rafi – The eternal voice of Bollywood.

• 🏏 Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Blaster himself.

• 🏛️ Suresh Prabhu – Former Union Minister and prominent public figure.
  

Add to that the uniforms tailored for Jet Airways, British Airways, and Gulf Air, and it’s clear that the precision and trust placed in this shop is of international caliber.

The shop’s clientele has spanned legends of cinema and cricket, with generations of Bandra’s elite — including those from the Bollywood fraternity — choosing S.S. Dias for their most important occasions, from wedding sherwanis to red carpet suits.

Why Bandra Still Trusts S.S. Dias & Co.

1. Heritage & Trust – Nearly 100 years of continuous service.

2. A Trial Room Worth the Legacy – Spacious enough for three people, a rarity in Bandra’s crammed commercial scene.

3. Discipline in Craft – The late Francis Mark Dias was known to say, “Deadlines are everything in tailoring, and we deliver on time.”

4. Public Praise – 4.3-star rating with 70+ online reviews speaks volumes.

Timeless Offerings, Modern Flair

While the brand remains true to its heritage, the services have evolved:

• Suits & Blazers

• Sherwanis & Pathani Suits

• Kurtas & Designer Wear

• Western Outfits for Women

Yes, they’ve moved with the times — expanding into contemporary and women’s fashion while preserving the values that made them iconic.

Hill Road’s Cultural Anchor

Ramdas Nayak Road (Hill Road’s official name) has seen generations of shops rise and fall. S.S. Dias & Co., however, has stood steady — the sign reading “Since 1930” now feels like a cultural badge of honor. For many Bandra families, this tailor has been the common thread across generations — fathers, sons, and now grandsons all choosing Dias for their special moments.

Legacy in the Age of Zara

In a world now dominated by high-street chains like Zara and H&M, S.S. Dias & Co. proves that quality tailoring, trust, and craftsmanship never go out of fashion. With Sebastian and Ryan Dias at the helm, this heritage label bridges India’s colonial past and its aspirational, global present.

For the people of Bandra — and for Bollywood names who value legacy just as much as luxury — S.S. Dias & Co. isn’t just a tailor shop.

It’s a landmark.

It’s history stitched in cotton, linen, and wool.

And it’s here to stay. Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

Q1. What makes S.S. Dias & Co. different from other tailoring shops in Bandra? S.S. Dias & Co. has been around since 1930, serving three generations of families. Unlike quick-fix tailoring, they focus on precision, heritage, and trust — with many Bollywood icons and cricketers as their clients.

Q2. Did Mohammed Rafi really get his clothes stitched from S.S. Dias & Co.? Yes! Mohammed Rafi, the legendary playback singer, was among their star clients. Along with him, names like Sachin Tendulkar and even international airlines have trusted their tailoring.

Q3. Does S.S. Dias & Co. only make men’s suits and sherwanis? Not at all. While they are known for classic men’s wear, they also stitch kurtas, designer wear, Western outfits, and even women’s fashion — keeping up with modern trends while staying rooted in tradition.

Q4. Where exactly is the shop located on Hill Road? You’ll find S.S. Dias & Co. at 51, Bindiya Building, Hill Road, Bandra West, right opposite the Bank of India. It’s a landmark spot many Bandra locals recognize.

Q5. Why do people still prefer S.S. Dias & Co. when brands like Zara and H&M are nearby?Because fast fashion comes and goes, but quality tailoring and trust last forever. Families in Bandra still rely on Dias for wedding sherwanis, suits, and special occasions — knowing they’ll always get a perfect fit and timely delivery.