Behind the Seams: The Making of SS26

Every collection begins with a feeling. For Spring/Summer 2026, that feeling was quietude—the calm certainty that comes from being exactly where you're meant to be, dressed in exactly what feels right.

From Concept to Creation

The creative process at ÉLAN is both methodical and intuitive. It begins with research: exploring archives, visiting galleries, observing the world with fresh eyes. For SS26, we found inspiration in the coastal landscapes of Brittany, the light-filled studios of mid-century artists, and the effortless elegance of women who dress to please themselves rather than others.

These inspirations are distilled into a mood board, then translated into sketches, then prototyped in muslin before finally being realized in the intended fabrics. Each step involves revision, refinement, the pursuit of an ideal that exists first only in the imagination.

The Fabric of the Collection

For SS26, we've focused on natural fibers that breathe and move: crisp Belgian linens, fluid silk charmeuse, lightweight wools that defy the assumption that wool is only for winter. The palette centers on sun-bleached neutrals—sand, stone, driftwood—with accents of deep navy and soft blush.