Rahelia Brings Glamour to Westport

For more than 32 years, Rahelia Durrani has been dressing women for their most important days.

Durrani, who relocated her eponymously named shop from Fairfield to Post Road East in Westport on April 1, describes her store as a salon; a relaxing atmosphere where women can feel comfortable while selecting a dress for their daughter's wedding or son's Bar Mitzvah. 

"I specialize in working with women who don't want to look matronly," Durrani said, "My success comes from taking women who are size 14 or 16 and making them look like a size 12." 

Durrani explains that she can look at a person and know what type of dress is going to work for their particular body type and lifestyle and believes that it is that talent, along with her personalized service, that's kept her in business for so long. 

She says her eye for color and style was developed as a makeup artist and stylist in New York City.  After attending the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, Durrani worked in the fashion industry as a fashion coordinator for films and magazines.   She worked with Andy Warhol and other members of the inner circle of New York City's art and fashion world. 

Durrani's first store was located in Mount Kisco, N.Y., and she relocated to Fairfield when she and her family moved to Easton.   Her recent move was made to further accommodate her large client base that resides in Westport. 

The racks of gowns, cocktail dresses, and day-to-evening suits are organized according to a woman's comfort level with style.

"These are for women who want to be more covered up," Durrani said, referring to long gowns with matching beaded jackets and long or bracelet length sleeves.  "These are for women who are comfortable with a little more skin," gesturing to floaty, knee length, chiffon dresses and sleeveless gowns with plunging necklines. 

Once she determines what style would look good on a particular client and what is appropriate for the event, Durrani will pull some garments for the client to try.  Durrani often suggests that a client move out of her comfort zone and try something new and different than they would have selected for themselves – most often, she says, with very positive results.

"I have an eye for this," she said. "I have really good experience.  You cannot do guesswork.  It's my knowledge that people come for.  Everything has to fit your body, your personality and your lifestyle."

Once the dress has been selected, Durrani puts the finishing touches on the outfit with jewelry, evening bags, and shoes – giving every woman the Hollywood stylist experience that celebrities have come to rely on.

"I love to make women look beautiful," she said. "My job is to teach my clients what looks good on them."

Rahelia is located at  125 Post Road East  and can be reached at  203-222-4900.