Elan by Khadija Shah: Complete Designer Style Guide

Elan by Khadija Shah: Complete Designer Style Guide

Elan by Khadija Shah: Complete Style Guide

Pakistan's leading luxury couture house - elegance, opulence, and dreamy aesthetics

Note: AÏNN London is not affiliated with Elan. This guide is an educational resource.

About Elan

Elan, founded by critically acclaimed designer Khadija Shah in 2006, has become synonymous with Pakistani luxury fashion. With 2+ million Instagram followers and international recognition, Elan represents the pinnacle of contemporary Pakistani couture—blending opulence with wearable elegance.

Quick Facts

Founder Khadija Shah
Established 2006
Based in Lahore, Pakistan
Specialty Luxury bridal, formal wear, lawn, ready-to-wear
Known for Dreamy pastels, luxury ghararas, opulent yet refined embroidery
Price range £1,500 - £4,000+ for bridal
Website elan.pk (with limited international shipping)
Sub-brands Zaha by Khadija Shah (accessible luxury)
Instagram @elanofficial (2M+ followers)

Elan Signature Style Elements

1. Dreamy, Ethereal Aesthetic

  • Soft pastels: Signature use of blush, powder blue, mint, champagne
  • Fairy-tale feel: Designs that evoke romance and fantasy
  • Understated glamour: Opulent but never overwhelming
  • Modern elegance: Contemporary silhouettes with traditional soul

2. Embroidery Excellence

  • Signature embellishments: Pearls, crystals, sequins layered beautifully
  • Cutwork mastery: Intricate cut-and-stitch patterns
  • Zari and dabka: Traditional techniques refined
  • Delicate detailing: Each stitch meticulously placed

3. Color Palette

  • Iconic pastels: Soft pink, powder blue, lavender, mint
  • Champagne tones: Gold, beige, ivory
  • Traditional options: Deep red, maroon for classic brides
  • Contemporary neutrals: Off-white, grey, soft metallics

4. Silhouettes

  • Luxury ghararas: Elan's most iconic bridal silhouette
  • Flowing gowns: Contemporary bridal with dramatic trains
  • Lehenga choli: Classic with modern proportions
  • Peshwas: Elegant flowing silhouettes
  • Sharara sets: Wide-leg pants with structured tops

Elan Price Guide

Category Price Range (GBP) Notes
Lawn collection £80 - £200 Unstitched summer wear
Ready-to-wear pret £200 - £500 Everyday luxury
Wedding festive £400 - £1,000 Formal unstitched
Formal wear £800 - £1,500 Wedding guest, family
Bridal couture £1,500 - £4,000+ Signature bridal pieces

Zaha by Khadija Shah

The more accessible diffusion line:

  • Lawn: £60 - £120
  • Formal: £150 - £400
  • Same aesthetic, more accessible price point

How to Order from Elan

Option 1: Official Website (elan.pk)

  • Browse collections online
  • Limited international shipping available
  • Lawn and pret collections typically available
  • Bridal often requires inquiry

Option 2: UK Stockists

Available through authorized UK retailers:

  • LebaasOnline
  • House of Maryam
  • Various UK Pakistani boutiques

Option 3: Elan Couture (Bridal)

  • Visit Lahore flagship for bridal
  • Contact @elancouturepk on Instagram
  • Custom consultation and ordering

Lead Times

  • Ready pieces: 2-4 weeks to UK
  • Bridal couture: 2-4 months

Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

  • ✅ Distinctive, recognizable aesthetic
  • ✅ Multiple price points (Elan + Zaha)
  • ✅ Available through UK stockists
  • ✅ Consistent quality
  • ✅ Trend-setting designs
  • ✅ Strong social media presence

Challenges

  • Popular pieces sell out quickly
  • International shipping can be complex
  • Customs duties apply
  • Bridal requires Pakistan visit or stockist

How to Get the Elan Look

Elan Element What to Look For
Dreamy aesthetic Soft pastels, ethereal fabrics, romantic feel
Signature embellishment Pearls, crystals, delicate sequin work
Elegant silhouettes Flowing ghararas, graceful gowns
Understated opulence Luxurious but refined, not overwhelming
Quality fabrics Organza, silk, premium net

Styling Tips for the Elan Aesthetic

  • Jewelry: Delicate pieces—pearl sets, subtle kundan
  • Hair: Soft waves, elegant updos, fresh flowers
  • Makeup: Dewy, fresh, romantic look
  • Dupatta: Draped elegantly, often over one shoulder
  • Accessories: Minimal, letting the outfit shine

Alternatives to Elan

Factor Elan AÏNN London
Price (bridal) £1,500 - £4,000+ £500 - £2,000
Delivery time 2-4 weeks (ready), 2-4 months (bridal) 7-12 days
Customs/duties Extra for Pakistan orders Included
Customer service Pakistan-based / stockists UK-based
Size range Standard Pakistani UK 6-24, custom free

AÏNN London offers pieces with the dreamy, elegant aesthetic Elan is known for—quality embroidery, beautiful pastels, flowing silhouettes—at accessible prices with UK-based service.

Browse AÏNN London collection

Summary

Elan represents the epitome of modern Pakistani luxury—dreamy, elegant, and instantly recognizable. For brides seeking that ethereal, fairy-tale aesthetic with designer cachet, Elan delivers beautifully. For those who love the look but prefer faster delivery and UK-based service, alternatives exist at accessible price points.

Shop the Elan Aesthetic

Browse AÏNN London collections featuring dreamy pastels and elegant silhouettes: