Women in Ottawa always aim to look their best, and choosing the right outfit is a fantastic way to express themselves and feel more confident. Many Ottawa residents are already familiar with Farah’s Studio, a prominent fashion design studio located downtown. ottawanka.com is here to tell you more about the studio and its owner, Farah Asnaashari.
Who is Farah Asnaashari?
Farah Asnaashari is a fashion designer with years of experience, a true triple threat as a designer, pattern maker, and seamstress. She began sewing at a young age in Iran, inspired by her mother, who was both a seamstress and a sewing instructor. Farah recalls playful childhood squabbles with her sister over fabrics their father brought home. Her mother instilled in her daughters a love for fashion, sewing, and dressing well. In an interview, Farah shared that a portrait of her mother, which she painted herself, hangs above her desk, depicting her in a long, elegant dress.
Farah Asnaashari created her very first garment at just 13 years old, crafting it from a beautiful red velvet fabric.
In 1990, Farah and her sister moved to Italy, where they lived and worked until 1994 before relocating to Quebec. While Iran is her homeland, Farah chose to leave due to political unrest. She selected Canada for its optimal conditions for families, as she already had three children at the time. In 1997, she and her husband opened the first Farah’s Studio in Westboro. Interestingly, Farah’s husband knew absolutely nothing about sewing back then, but he eventually mastered the craft and grew to love it.
Having lived in three different countries, Farah believes each culture boasts its own unique trends and customs.
Farah’s Studio
Since 1997, Farah Asnaashari has been expertly dressing the women of Ottawa, offering both custom designs and ready-to-wear pieces. Her bespoke and off-the-rack creations are deeply inspired by her family and life experiences. The studio’s designs blend a modern aesthetic with timeless, classic silhouettes.
For Farah, design has always been about much more than just traditional fashion. She believes that true design should complement a person’s character and figure, ensuring her pieces are not only comfortable but also deeply personal. Farah exclusively uses natural fabrics that drape beautifully and feel luxurious against the skin. She emphasizes that her studio doesn’t chase fleeting trends; instead, they focus on dressing women in what makes them feel good and what truly suits them.
In 2012, Farah’s business partner and husband passed away. Her 28-year-old son, Keyvan, then stepped up, showing keen interest in the business and joining the family venture. The company promotes its ready-to-wear and custom pieces through its website. As a reminder, the first store opened in Westboro in 1997, and a second location followed on September 8, 2016, in the ByWard Market, situated at 483 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6Z5.
In 2017, a brand new street sign, commissioned from local company Studio Signs, was installed in front of Farah’s Studio’s second location in the ByWard Market. Now, as Ottawans walk by, they know that fresh and updated looks await them inside.
A Forced Pause
During the series of lockdowns throughout the pandemic, Farah’s Studio in Ottawa experienced its first closure in nearly 30 years. The talented owner and founder, Farah, decided to close the storefront and operate from her home studio. She focused on creating custom suits and dresses, including evening and wedding gowns, along with other bespoke pieces. This temporary shift was made with the intention of returning to normal operations once conditions allowed.
And return to normal it did! Farah’s Studio continues to thrive as a successful business, with Farah Asnaashari standing out as one of the few designers creating haute couture for women in Canada’s capital.
Farah Asnaashari’s Wardrobe Tips
According to the designer, there are three key things to consider when building your wardrobe.
- Women should seek out well-made, timeless pieces that won’t go out of style. These items should also easily mix and match with existing wardrobe staples. This way, women in Ottawa can create their own perfect outfit formulas for any occasion.
- Next up: trends. Ever wondered why the hottest trends get heavily discounted at the end of a season, sometimes by 50% or even 70%? It’s simple: these items can look dated just as quickly as they became popular.
- Finally, consider investing in quality outerwear. In Canada, this is a crucial decision. A beautiful, well-fitting coat, for instance, can instantly elevate any look. Plus, it’s easy to pair with classic footwear, and you’ll only need a minimal number of accessories to complete your ensemble.
Children: The Greatest Pride
For Farah Asnaashari, the accomplished designer and businesswoman, her greatest source of pride is her children. She beams with pride and strives to pass on her knowledge to her son, who has also developed a keen interest in style and fashion. Farah Asnaashari has often mentioned her quiet passion for family, life, and fashion. Farah’s Studio specializes in custom design and clothing for women, offering clients a wide selection of high-quality fabrics. Women in Ottawa can share in the founder’s passion for fashion, finding inspiration to purchase or create their dream outfits.
