Ottawa designer Muntaha Arooj creates contemporary clothes with a traditional feel

PHOTOS: Sean Sisk Photography  •  MAKEUP: Corey J Stone •  MODEL: Nadia

Muntaha Arooj is an Ottawa fashion designer. She collaborates with independent female tailors with small home-based businesses in Pakistan where her creations are produced. 

Her clothes are modern and contemporary, yet retain a traditional vibe. Whether you are shopping for a South Asian dress, attending a Pakistani or Indian wedding, or celebrating Eid, Diwali, or similar occasions, Arooj has a unique piece for you. 

Whether it is Phulkari, Gota, Sindhi, or Blochi tanka, Ajrak, cross stitch or others, her embroideries are completed by hand or machine, depending on the design complexity. 

Most pieces are traditional Pakistani and Indian suits, known as Shalwar Kameez which are always accompanied with a Dupatta (a scarf). They are made from all types of fabric. For winter months, the most common materials are linen, khaddar, and karandi. 

Arooj fashions are sized for late teens and adults, but for extra-special events, she has designs for children.

Arooj designs have become so popular that she is building an e-commerce platform.

Visit Arooj Boutique on Facebook.