Photography by Lorenzo Butti
With small productions from the past and from the present, and made only with precious materials, the collections have very feminine colours and lines, but without losing sight of comfort and functionality.
After studying at the Istituto Marangoni in Como, Elena decided she wanted to start up her own project, and not have to work for big fashion labels. She began with her small collections working from home and then, after opening a shop in Mendrisio, in 2008 she inaugurated her atelier in Chiasso. The workshop was setup in an early 20th century Art Nouveau building, originally built as a hotel and later converted into a shipping house.
She produces clothing, jewellery and bags with the collaboration of a Zurich-based craftsman. The materials employed are precious and valuable, such as silk, good wool, cotton and linen, and the models can be completely customised with bespoke colours and sizes.
Elena likes to be able to always offer her customers something new, and has recently developed a new line of facial cosmetics, which she produces herself. There are also pieces of vintage furniture in the shop, as well as a line of fine handmade ceramics from Salento. e.na is a lively space in which there are also sewing courses organised for small groups.