TIMELESS BRIDAL STYLES INSPIRED BY THE PAST AND
MADE WITH LOVE FOR THE MODERN BRIDE
We value inclusivity, giving back to our community, and creating high-quality products through ethical production practices. Our size-inclusive bridalwear is available in sizes 2-30. And, every piece is designed and made with love in the United States.
Our wedding dresses, bridal jumpsuits, and accessories are a reflection of our creative soul. We look to the past for inspiration. We create looks that speak to modern brides and nearlyweds searching for a timeless, chic, and personal style to wear on their wedding day.
We create timeless styles where each is a perfect blend of past and present.
The Edith Élan Design Philosophy
Lourdes (she/her/ella) discovered her passion for fashion early on, learning to sew and knit from her mom and grandmother, Loli. By 12, she was already sketching clothing designs.
She left LA for Philadelphia to major in Fashion Design. During the summers, she worked as a bridal stylist back in LA, which is where her love of bridal blossomed. After graduation, her wedding dress was her first custom creation!
In 2021, Lourdes took over as Creative Director and Owner of Edith Élan.
Outside of work, Lourdes enjoys traveling (especially to her native México), spending time with her cats Mykie and Luna, watching F1 races, and autocross racing with her husband.
Lourdes Castañeda
about the designer
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My favorite wedding dress of all time is my grandmother Loli's, which my mom also wore.
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I love sharing my Mexican heritage and culture with anyone that wants to know more.
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I find traveling the world and exploring new places is so inspiring!
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There's more!
but wait,
Edith Élan brides and nearlyweds possess style and confidence, and exude a joie de vivre. They know who they are and what they want. They are unaffected by passing trends. And instead, seek designs that speak to their unique style and that will withstand the test of time.
élan
[a·län] noun
Energy, style, passion, vigorous spirit, or enthusiasm.
For us, we create our designs to exude élan, but it's more than that. We also design for those with élan.
Saying our designs are "ethically made" means focusing on ethical production and manufacturing processes. In other words:
· Ethical production and manufacturing processes prioritize worker well-being (health, safety, fair compensation) throughout our supply chain.
· We care about the effects the fashion industry has on the earth. Therefore, we consciously produce. Conscious production minimizes environmental impact through waste reduction, upcycling, and recycling.
· We believe in and ensure transparency in our production cycle, garment origins, and fabric sourcing.
Giving back and enabling creative expression are deeply important to Lourdes, both personally and professionally.
For these reasons, Edith Élan donates 5% of sales to HEART - An Inclusive Arts Community in Charleston, SC. They are a non-profit organization that provides inclusive music, art, and theatre experiences to connect adults with special needs and their communities. They are a "creative and adventurous family of artists, performers, and all-around creative misfits!"
Edith Élan started as a dream in 2008 during college. It was simply a "one day" statement between two friends (Gretchen & Lourdes) that became reality in 2014. Before launching the brand, the pair held various positions in the fashion industry. Those invaluable and hands-on experiences, along with their unique design aesthetics, became the foundations for the brand.
The name itself is an homage to the place where the dream started, and to an extraordinary woman who, in her own right, was a pioneer in her field. (Read more about the creation of the brand name on the blog.)
Edith Élan designs are made using imported fabrics and trims from all over the world. We also work with an amazing embroidery team in India to create the intricate embroideries.
But at the end of the day, every wedding dress, bridal jumpsuit, and accessory is made with love in our studio in Charleston, South Carolina. This is where we cut and sew the fabrics together. And where the final checks are made before the pieces head out to their new homes.
