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 strive to create timeless styles where each is a perfect blend of past and present.
our design philosophy
She/Her/Hers/Ella
Lourdes's interest in fashion started at a young age. She learned to sew and knit from her mom and her grandmother, Loli. By age 12, she was filling her sketchbook with doodles and designs of clothes, dresses, and bridalwear.
Her decision to major in Fashion Design took her cross-country from LA to Philadelphia. During the summers, she was a stylist at a local bridal boutique, which is where her love of bridal blossomed. She graduated from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) in 2009.
Shortly after graduation Lourdes found herself in the midst of wedding planning. Her wedding dress was her first custom creation!
In 2021, Lourdes took over as Creative Director and Owner of Edith Élan. When asked about what she sees for the future of the brand she said, "Edith Élan designs will for sure still have that vintage vibe they've always been recognized for. I'm still going to look to the past for silhouette and design detail ideas. But, you'll see a little more clean, modern lines in the collections."
In her free time, Lourdes loves to: travel (especially to México where she's from), enjoy the company of her cats Mykie + Luna, watch F1 Grand Prix races, and compete at autocross races 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 that we focus on ethical production and manufacturing processes. In simplest terms, it means:
· We care about the health, safety, and fair compensation of workers. Not only for our employees, but also of workers in businesses we partner with for production.
· We care about the effects the fashion industry has on the earth. Therefore, we consciously produce. We reduce our fabric waste as much as possible when cutting patterns. Fabric remnants are either upcycled or recycled.
· We believe in transparency. From the production cycle, to the person who made the garment, to the origin of our fabrics, we can tell you all of that.
Giving back has always been a matter close to Lourdes's heart (both in her personal and professional life). She also understands the importance of creative expression, and a person's ability to have access to resources which allow for that creative expression.
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 best 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.
