Our Story
House of Chenille is a three-generation legacy dedicated to the art of tufted chenille. As the only vertically integrated chenille loungewear brand of its kind, we create every piece in our own facility — from weaving the fabric to hand-finishing each garment. Rooted in heritage and inspired by our work with designer Stan Herman, we craft timeless loungewear made for comfort, reliability, and everyday luxury.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At House of Chenille, we believe true comfort is a form of art. Created with intention, shaped by experience, and felt in the quiet moments of everyday life. Our philosophy is grounded in the idea that loungewear should do more than simply clothe; it should soothe, support, and elevate the way women feel at home.
We honor the timeless softness of tufted chenille through thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Every piece we create reflects our belief in slow-made luxury, authenticity, and comfort crafted with heart.
Made to Comfort. Designed to Last.
OUR HERITAGE
Our story spans three generations, beginning with a family-led textile business founded in 1985. With decades of dedication to craftsmanship, our journey evolved in 2002 when the Crowntuft Alabama chenille manufacturing facility moved to Pakistan, establishing Shahzad Apparels, a unit named in honour of a beloved family member and built to master the art of tufted chenille.
For years, we produced chenille garments for respected designers and major retailers, refining our expertise stitch by stitch. In 2017, the next generation stepped forward, transforming our legacy into a brand of our own.
Today, House of Chenille carries that heritage forward, creating loungewear rooted in tradition, shaped by craftsmanship, and made exclusively for women who appreciate comfort with meaning.
1985 - A Family Vision Takes Root
Abdur Rauf founded Giltex Pvt. Ltd. in Karachi, Pakistan. A family-run business built on integrity, trust, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Working closely with international buyers, he facilitated textile and garment sourcing for department stores, importers, direct retailers, and multinational companies worldwide.
His sons, T.J. and Shahzad, managed day-to-day operations, making Giltex a trusted bridge between Pakistan’s textile expertise and the world’s demand for quality garments.
2000 - Honoring a Family Legacy
In 2000, the family experienced the tragic loss of Rauf’s son, Shahzad. When a new chenille manufacturing unit was later established, it was named “Shahzad Apparels" in his honor - a tribute to his memory and a reflection of the family’s strength, unity, and values.
2002 - The Beginning of Our Chenille Legacy
Through years of reliability and exceptional delivery standards, Giltex developed a strong relationship with Kellwood USA, one of America’s leading apparel groups.
Recognizing the company's commitment to excellence, Kellwood made a landmark decision: to relocate its Crowntuft, Alabama manufacturing facility (a specialist hub for tufted chenille) to Pakistan. The entire operation, including advanced machinery, infrastructure and training was transferred to Karachi, forming a new joint-venture manufacturing unit named Shahzad Apparels.
From this moment, chenille became not just a product we made, but a craft we mastered.
2005 - Mastery at Scale
By 2005, the joint venture between Shahzad Apparels and Kellwood reached peak operational excellence, producing approximately 134,000 tufted chenille garments; the highest annual output between 2002 & 2007.
More than volume, this milestone reflected true mastery of chenille manufacturing. From fabric formation and tufting to finishing and packing, every process was executed at scale without compromising softness, durability, or craftsmanship.
At a time when chenille production was both rare and technically demanding, Shahzad Apparels stood among a select few global facilities capable of producing chenille garments without compromising quality.
2007 - A Turning Point in the Chenille Industry
Near 2007, Kellwood halted its chenille robe production. Designer Stan Herman, long associated with Kellwood, had departed and joined Carole Hochman Designs, where he reintroduced chenille robes to major U.S. retailers, including QVC, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.
Through this transition, the industry evolved, but the demand and love for chenille continued.
2012 - Honoring a Chenille Icon
Carole Hochman Designs was later acquired by Komar, who discontinued chenille robe buying. By then, Stan Herman had become widely recognized as a pioneer of chenille; affectionately known as “The people's designer.”
His decades of knowledge, artistry, and leadership shaped the chenille category and continue to influence the customers who cherish these timeless robes today.
Image: HOC Vine Floral Embroidered; one of Stan Herman's first robes to QVC, was seen in 2023, displayed in their show.
2017 - A New Generation, A New Vision
Zain T.J. Rauf, the third generation of the family, joined Shahzad Apparels, bringing fresh perspective and a deep passion for evolving the business.
Recognizing the rise of online retail and modern consumer expectations, he led the development of the company’s own label - House of Chenille.
A women’s loungewear label inspired by Stan Herman’s classic chenille patterns and built on decades of manufacturing mastery.
2026 - A Brand Loved Across the World
Today, House of Chenille stands as a refined and trusted name in tufted chenille loungewear, loved by women throughout North America and beyond.
What began as a family-run sourcing company has grown into a multi-generation legacy, one defined by craftsmanship, authenticity, and a commitment to producing the finest chenille garments in the world.
Our story is still being written, one stitch at a time.
1985 - A Family Vision Takes Root
Abdur Rauf founded Giltex Pvt. Ltd. in Karachi, Pakistan. A family-run business built on integrity, trust, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Working closely with international buyers, he facilitated textile and garment sourcing for department stores, importers, direct retailers, and multinational companies worldwide.
His sons, T.J. and Shahzad, managed day-to-day operations, making Giltex a trusted bridge between Pakistan’s textile expertise and the world’s demand for quality garments.
2000 - Honoring a Family Legacy
In 2000, the family experienced the tragic loss of Rauf’s son, Shahzad. When a new chenille manufacturing unit was later established, it was named “Shahzad Apparels" in his honor - a tribute to his memory and a reflection of the family’s strength, unity, and values.
2002 - The Beginning of Our Chenille Legacy
Through years of reliability and exceptional delivery standards, Giltex developed a strong relationship with Kellwood USA, one of America’s leading apparel groups.
Recognizing the company's commitment to excellence, Kellwood made a landmark decision: to relocate its Crowntuft, Alabama manufacturing facility (a specialist hub for tufted chenille) to Pakistan. The entire operation, including advanced machinery, infrastructure and training was transferred to Karachi, forming a new joint-venture manufacturing unit named Shahzad Apparels.
From this moment, chenille became not just a product we made, but a craft we mastered.
2005 - Mastery at Scale
By 2005, the joint venture between Shahzad Apparels and Kellwood reached peak operational excellence, producing approximately 134,000 tufted chenille garments; the highest annual output between 2002 & 2007.
More than volume, this milestone reflected true mastery of chenille manufacturing. From fabric formation and tufting to finishing and packing, every process was executed at scale without compromising softness, durability, or craftsmanship.
At a time when chenille production was both rare and technically demanding, Shahzad Apparels stood among a select few global facilities capable of producing chenille garments without compromising quality.
2007 - A Turning Point in the Chenille Industry
Near 2007, Kellwood halted its chenille robe production. Designer Stan Herman, long associated with Kellwood, had departed and joined Carole Hochman Designs, where he reintroduced chenille robes to major U.S. retailers, including QVC, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.
Through this transition, the industry evolved, but the demand and love for chenille continued.
2012 - Honoring a Chenille Icon
Carole Hochman Designs was later acquired by Komar, who discontinued chenille robe buying. By then, Stan Herman had become widely recognized as a pioneer of chenille; affectionately known as “The people's designer.”
His decades of knowledge, artistry, and leadership shaped the chenille category and continue to influence the customers who cherish these timeless robes today.
Image: HOC Vine Floral Embroidered; one of Stan Herman's first robes to QVC, was seen in 2023, displayed in their show.
2017 - A New Generation, A New Vision
Zain T.J. Rauf, the third generation of the family, joined Shahzad Apparels, bringing fresh perspective and a deep passion for evolving the business.
Recognizing the rise of online retail and modern consumer expectations, he led the development of the company’s own label - House of Chenille.
A women’s loungewear label inspired by Stan Herman’s classic chenille patterns and built on decades of manufacturing mastery.
2026 - A Brand Loved Across the World
Today, House of Chenille stands as a refined and trusted name in tufted chenille loungewear, loved by women throughout North America and beyond.
What began as a family-run sourcing company has grown into a multi-generation legacy, one defined by craftsmanship, authenticity, and a commitment to producing the finest chenille garments in the world.
Our story is still being written, one stitch at a time.
OUR VALUES
At House of Chenille, our values are rooted in three generations of craftsmanship and a deep respect for the women we create for. We believe in purposeful design, slow-made quality, and materials that offer lasting comfort. Every garment reflects our commitment to elegance, authenticity, and attention to detail.
We value tradition, yet embrace thoughtful innovation, ensuring each piece not only feels beautiful, but carries the integrity and care of the hands that made it.
WHY CHENILLE — FROM OUR HANDS TO YOUR HOME
Chenille has been at the heart of our craft for more than two decades; chosen for its velvety softness, comforting warmth, and timeless beauty. Every tuft, loop, and texture is carefully created in our own manufacturing facility, where generations of knowledge guide each step of the process.
From weaving and tufting the fabric to stitching, finishing, and inspecting every detail, we bring each piece to life with intention and care. When our loungewear reaches your home, it carries not only the plush comfort of chenille but the legacy of craftsmanship. Our loungewear are made to be felt, lived in, and cherished.