Khadijah Shah
Pakistani American fashion designer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Khadijah Shah is a Pakistani American fashion designer and activist who is the founder and creative director of the fashion labels Élan and Zaha.[1] Previously, she served as the creative director of Sapphire Retail from 2014 to 2017.[2]
Pakistan
Khadijah Shah | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pakistan |
| Citizenship | United States Pakistan |
| Education | London School of Economics |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Known for | Élan and Zaha |
| Father | Salman Shah |
Early life and education
Khadijah Shah was born to Salman Shah, a former caretaker finance minister of Pakistan, and Aneela Shah, a fashion designer.[3] She was raised by her grandparents Asif Nawaz Janjua, who served as a Chief of Army Staff, and Nuzhat.[4]
Shah completed her higher education in the United Kingdom and graduated with a bachelor's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics.[3][5]
She later returned to Pakistan to pursue a career in fashion.[3]
Career
Shah chose fashion design as her career due to the influence of her mother.[3] In 2004, she founded the fashion house Élan, named after her mother's nickname. It was initially focused on high-end bridal and couture wear.[3] Élan later expanded to India as well.[6][7]
In 2012, Shah formed a joint initiative with Hussain Mills to launch Élan Lawn.[3][8] Two years later, in 2014, she became creative director at Sapphire Retail, a position she held until 2017, while continuing to manage Élan.[3][9] After leaving Sapphire, she launched a separate fashion label, Zaha, in 2017.[3][10]
In 2023, Shah was arrested in Lahore in connection with unrest and Corps Commander House attack.[11][12]