hey everyone,
Well I had my nikkah in December, I finally decided that I will make a post about my outfits in the hope of helping any other would be dulhans out. White Roses also mentioned last year that her walima lengha etc was from Aroosia.
I had my nikkah outfit, lengha (which i haven’t worn yet), some kaam outfits for various members of my family made from them (so far).
Me, my mum and sister have had bajillion everyday outfits stitched from them too.
The story for how we found this boutique is long so I won’t tell it all but it was complete chance. I went to PK in August 2008 and we had 2 days in Lahore to find somewhere to make: mum’s outfits, sister’s outfits, brother’s sherwani’s, outfits as gifts and possibly, my lengha. Everything was getting done, expect we wanted kaam done on kapra we had bought and I hadn’t found anywhere that I liked to make my lengha. Then a journey led us from Aroosia’s small shop in New City Towers to their main boutique in Liberty. In the end, we had everything done from them. We went back after 2 weeks en route to UK and they had stitched all the casual outfits and done my lengha kaam/colours sample so I could make any changes before they started it.
Firstly, they are really nice people. After some very bad treatment in well known Lahore boutiques (coughZardosicough), this made even more of an impression on us. They are very respectful, listen to everything you tell them and genuinely want to do a good job and make you happy. Basically, they take pride in their work. Not only that but they don’t lie to you. We have had our things ready at the time they gave us, as if they really can’t do something by a certain date, they let you know. They also don’t say they can do things they can’t (in terms of the outfits), if something doesn’t sound feasible they explain why etc.
They have a huge variety of styles in what they can make and can do all kinds of kaam. There wasn’t much in the window so I was reluctant to go in the first time but once they start showing you stuff it’s clear how varied their outfits can be. Some places, like Ali’s Bridal, have a very distinctive style of kaam, even if they change colours etc you can tell where it’s from. Aroosia can do all kinds and unless you ask for something to be copied, will endeavour to make something new that will suit your style. And most importantly for me, their kaam is delicate and very neat.
You will see from my pics that I go understated with my kaam and prefer to keep things simple. They have no problem doing heavy/full of kaam stuff though, as most of their outfits are. It illustrates that they can be sympathetic to whatever your style is.
Their stitching is great. I’m a real stickler for properly fitting outfits and I was so happy when my first lot of outfits came back perfectly (and everything since then). Everything (piping etc) is so neat. All our family from the UK who have been back to Pakistan since seeing our outfits have had at least stitching done from here as they were so impressed.
To give an example - I have a problem, as I have a small waist measurement in comparison to hips, that when outfits are stitched, the back of the kameez slightly bunches at the lowest point on my back (basically looks like the fabric rests on my butt before falling over it). None of my outfits from here do this because they know how to cut it properly!
They will also stitch accordingly. For my nani’s outfits or my younger sister’s outfits, just telling them that who they were for ensured that they stitched in an appropriate style – as we didn’t have time to sit and discuss necklines etc etc.
In October, it was decided that we would be having only a nikkah in December, so I needed a nikkah outfit. As I was in the UK, it was kinda hard. But I found a design I liked, made changes, drew pictures, described the kind of kaam I wanted on it, included fabric samples for the colour and sent all this to the boutique. So they made my nikkah outfit without me even being able to discuss it in person or see what they were doing.
My cousin’s wedding is in August and I’m asking them to make my outfit for that too – sending the design and fabric (silk chiffon) in the post. Fingers crossed that that will come out well too as I’m giving them a tight budget this time.
Well, I hope this helps people out. If you are going to Lahore (Liberty), pay them a visit.
I have to say though, there is plenty of nice ‘ready made’ (where they make another in your size) stuff in Pakistan. If you are going with an open mind in terms of what you want, I’m sure you will find something you like. However, if you want something copied or have a particular idea in your head, you need people that are willing to meet your requirements and understand your idea.
They also use swarovski crystals heavily (both my nikah outfit and lengha have these) and real semi precious gemstones, not the fake plastic kind.
Nikah outfit
Border of Nikah outfit
Bodice of Nikah outfit
Lengha skirt
Another outfit
Close-up of the motif
This was silk banarsi we found for my khala, instead of an all over pattern, it had a motif in the corner which they highlighted with crystals, sequins and real gemstones (in the flowers)
