Elan****1/2
Easily one of the most anticipated lawn collections of the year, Elan always manages to bring something new to the table. Bankable in terms of generating hype or selling out, Elan’s lawn brings those who can’t afford its eye-wateringly priced luxury pret or bridals, one step closer to owning designer-wear by the Shah. Feminine, effortless and aesthetically sound, this lawn celebrates the Elan muse who is always impeccably put together, chic and self-assured. For its 2016 collection, Elan features a bright colour palette, vibrant prints that range from florals to tribal motifs and offers a balance between print and embellishment, in a response to the critique it faced last year. It sold out, as expected, very quickly so if you own an outfit from Elan lawn 2016 edition, you’re holding on to some coveted textile.
Quality
Considering that lawn is a staple in the oppressive heat of summer because of the airiness of the fabric, Elan ticks all the boxes with its light-weight, breathable material. The lawn is soft, breezy and hasn’t veered towards silky which means that it’ll make for comfortable attire, even at the height of humidity. There are ample embroidered add-ons on net and while that might require some skill in ironing, it only serves to increase the breathability of the stitched suit. The dupattas are supple and silky, floating in a cloud like manner behind you as you walk in the breeze.
Design Innovation
With a fabric that’s meant to be for mass consumption it’s difficult to go completely out of the box because you have to consider retail viability. However, Elan strikes a balance between what is commercially and aesthetically appealing. The prints are pretty but certainly not unique; it’s the way they’ve been stitched and presented in the catalogue where Elan’s innovation comes in. They don’t just sell a print to you, they sell their design ethos.
Value for Money
Priced around Rs. 6500 (rounded-off) for a suit, Elan isn’t priced to fit budgets but then you should expect to pay designer prices for anything that comes through Khadija Shah. Not the cheapest of the lot, Elan charges you for quality and branding, which is of course worth it, considering this about as deluxe lawn gets.
Wow Factor
There’s no denying Elan lawn’s desirability. If there are only a few designer lawn outfits that a woman will buy per season, Elan makes the cut for most. In fact even women who eschew designer lawn can get swayed by its classic appeal and distinct aesthetic. It makes a statement and denotes that you know your fashion, or at least are trendy and hip.
* Avoid at all cost, even if free
** Don't buy
*** Buy if you need to stock up
**** Buy because you simply love it!
***** Must buy! You'd be crazy not to!