Raaz Boutique

- Decor at Raaz Boutique -

I usually don't write long posts, but here is one focusing in on a cute boutique in the middle of Chicago's "India town" - Devon.

For those in the Midwest, particularly Chicago, there is a one-stop spot for all your ethnic-wear desires - Devon. Devon is a location in the outskirts of Chicago where plethora of South Asian stores sell traditional things, ranging from groceries to designer wear. The one location that is deemed as a favorite amongst the locals is Raaz Boutique. Raaz Boutique was founded by Zainab Ekbal, an architect by academic qualifications and a connoisseur in fashion by nature. This is her story on her success.

Zainab always had a passionate to feature beautiful designer collections in the form a boutique, due to its absence in the Midwest region, where she could shop for tasteful clothes and jewelry. Thus, she began Raaz in her classy apartment that overlooked the beaming Chicago skyline, which were only, at the time, open to her family and friends upon appointment. She introduced the impeccable designs of the most talented high-end designers from India and Pakistan to the elite women of Chicago. 

Immense success and support encouraged her to give Raaz a physical identity as a cozy, elegant boutique. Since its birth in the 1980s, Raaz has been located in the heart of Devon, as a hidden gem. Its unmatchable collections and decor sets it apart from all the stores nearby and would have been better placed on the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue!

There was no looking back for Raaz and the clientele of her once-upon hobby grew to high volume. Considering the opulent collections and great customer service the boutique offers, she was able to attract designers from Pakistan and India such as Noorjehan Bilgrami, Azeem Khan, Sheikh-Amer Hassan, Rizwan Beyg, Maheen and Faiza Sami, Manish Arora, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Krishna Mehta, and Abraham & Thakore.

Zainab's growing philanthropy and concerns towards humanitarian matters consumed much of her time and paved way for the young and diligent heir, Ghazala Khan Ekbal. As a graduate in commerce and professional experience in public relations, her touch helped elevate Raaz even more.

Raaz has catered to the styling needs of a wide array of clientele from various ethnicities, with the most sought-after designers at the time. To date, the boutique maintains a stable relationship with celebrity designers such as, Rabani & Rakha, Niki Mahajan, and Lajwanti, to name a few. Raaz is no longer just the local boutique in Devon; it has become the epitome of quality designer goods for the successful women all over nation. Raaz, which was strictly appointment-based initially, is now open for all who want to indulge in some retail therapy for any special occasion. Although the appointment-based component still exists, it is primarily targeting those who are going to be brides and their families for their custom ensembles.

Raaz has been written about and broadcasted in Chicago Magazine, Style Chicago Magazine, early CS magazine edition, Vogue international, and Chicago tribune. NBC channel even had a full exclusive showing of Raaz Boutique.

Check out their FB here for orders and inquiries!