Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan’s premier luxury designer Khadijah Shah, celebrated a decade of her brand Élan with its inaugural bridal show in Lahore on Saturday, featuring an unprecedented 51 models.

The bridal show was live streamed on www.elan.pk with over 7,000 viewers tuning in to watch the two-hour show. The event was attended by celebrities, socialites and media personalities.

The first-of-its-kind evening was opened by an exciting live performance by Sachal Jazz Orchestra followed by the unveiling of Palais Indochine. Inspired by French Indochinese colonies, the collection featured Élan’s signature craftsmanship with innovative new techniques, embellishments, motifs, embroideries and unique colour palettes.

Intricate, feminine and modern all at the same time, Palais Indochine has something for everyone be it an engagement, wedding or a personal ensemble for one’ trousseau. Although Swarkovski elements brought sparkle to several creations, the assortments in tilla and thread work looked like they are here to stay – lending an old world charm to the modern-cut garments. The wrap jacket crafted out of velvet seems to be fashion 2016’s biggest trend.

Mesmerising ethnic craftsmanship adorned sleek, modern silhouettes for a look that would definitely appeal to stylish, young brides. Amna Ilyas and Adnan Malik looked absolutely amazing in their show-stopper outfits. Her outfit looked right out of a fairy-tale. The fabrics were an entrancing balance of heavy richness and ethereal sheers, rendering the collection breath-taking. The collection was perfect for a lavish soiree.

Élan collaborated with jewellery designer Sherezad Rahimtoola, who created bespoke pieces for Palais Indochine bridal showcase. Featuring both menswear and womenswear pieces, the Palais Indochine bridal show was conceptualised and directed by Yousaf Shahbaz with event management by Shazreh Khalid, choreography by Fahad Hussayn, lighting and sound by Fahad Rahman, photography by Faisal Farooqui and his team at Dragon Fly, video production by The Videographers and backstage management by Production 021. N-Pro and N-Gents were the beauty partners, whereas the PR for the event was managed by the creative team behind Lotus.

Speaking about Élan’s inaugural bridal show and 10 years, designer Khadijah Shah said, “I would have never imagined that something I started from my small workshop would one day become one of the most established fashion houses in Pakistan. We didn’t just want to showcase our new collection but we wanted to create the ‘Élan Experience’, one that reflected the romanticism and grandeur associated with the brand. I think having this solo show to celebrate Élan’s ten years in the industry was the perfect way to substantiate our successes thus far.”