International House of Couture Sets Up Shop

The 12300 block of Harlem Avenue adds another boutique to its fashion row with the addition of International House of Couture this past week.

The store  is owned by friends Noora Hammad, Ameira Matariyeh and Dalia Matariyeh, who have successfully run the company online for the past year-- exclusively on Facebook. Patch met with Noora and Dalia to learn about what IHOC is bringing to Palos Heights and to hear the story behind this unique business.

Hammad says that while the company was successful online, the three friends thought it would be much more satisfying if they had a shop where they could meet and work with customers face-to-face.

Growing up in the area, all three thought Palos Heights was a great location, and Hammad said when she saw the opening on Harlem, she knew it would be perfect.

“Palos Heights has such an aura of class and community,” Hammad said. “I knew if we opened it here people would be drawn to it and we've had a great response.”

Although both and are just a few doors down, Hammad said the stores complement one another, not split business.

The shop specializes in evening gowns, mother of the bride, prom, and custom designed dresses, as well as Indian bridal.

However, Matariyeh said that the customer service element and creation of a one-stop-shop also sets the store apart.

“We sit with the customer and help them match budget and style so everyone leaves with their dream dress,” she said. “We aren't trying to sell it to people, we try and make a great experience and from the time customers walk in the door until they leave it's all about them.”

Matariyeh also said that customers will appreciate the professional fashion consultation and honesty that they will receive.

Hammad also said that serving customers' needs is made easier by the diversity of the three women working in the store.

“We are all a little different and that's what makes this so successful,” Hammad said. “Each customer is different, so it's nice to have different personalities running the store. If you don't connect with one of us, you probably will with another.”

Hammad said in addition to having varying  personalities, each woman has a specialty within the store, although they all have fashion sense and help the customers.

“Amy does the advertising and PR and sort of knows of everyone in town and helps get the name out,” she said. “I do a lot of the inventory and help with selecting dresses and Dalia, well, she's just the brains, she does the books and keeps us all going.”

The shop also offers alterations and custom designs, which Matariyeh says makes it a one-stop shop and very convenient.

International House Of Couture is located at 12327 S. Harlem Ave. and is open 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The boutique can be reached at (708) 827 – 5307, or online at their Facebook page.