THE STORY
Elena Ghisellini was born in Genoa. At school, she already showed a passion for fashion, especially leather-working. She graduated from the European Design Institute in Rome with honours and was recognised as the most talented student of the year. Her transition from school to professional life happened quickly. She began her career working for one of the major designers of the time, Tru
ssardi. Besides enjoying the creative flair of Nicola Trussardi, here she was able to gain expertise and experience in the very best of Italian craftsmanship first-hand; she also learned the most difficult manufacturing techniques and how to use the highest-quality materials. After eight years, she joined Salvatore Ferragamo as head of their leather goods division. Her experience with Italian know-how then grew to include product internationalization. The collections produced were extensive and included all categories of accessories, from small leather goods and objects to bags. Her twelve years at this position were marked by a passion for craftsmanship and internationalization. The natural outcome of her time with Salvatore Ferragamo was yet another adventure. In 2003, Elena Ghisellini opened her own design firm in Florence. In addition to working with many illustrious brands, she also paired up with the creative stylist Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, for whom she created a line of extremely successful accessories. She was recently appointed Head Accessory Designer of Emilio Pucci. However, the most important part of her work involves her own collection, Elena Ghisellini. DESIGN
Do not call them accessories: Elena Ghisellini’s creations are symbols, archetypes—sometimes even fetishes. They are designed to become a part of a women’s life; they are accent pieces to her elegance, personality and irony. It all stems from one specific idea: to create love at first sight and spark an overwhelming desire. As result, each bag, each object, possesses a profound and warm sensuality, a quality that transcends boundaries with its cunning symbolism. They are not made to complete a look; on the contrary, they are designed to express an emotion and make the wearer unique. By day, they are serious, practical and resolved. In the evening, they become eccentric, sexy and ironic. They are luxury fetishes, a glamorous and sophisticated extension of a woman’s imagination and personality. And they never look back; their main aim is to narrate modernity and the changes and revolutions that are under way. CRAFTSMANSHIP
The fine quality implied by the "Made in Italy" label lies at the core of all Elena Ghisellini creations. The experience she gained in the very best Italian workshops is therefore the key to understanding her products. It all starts with the choice of materials, all of which originate from an excellent network of fine leather suppliers. Tanning processes and treatments as well as manufacturing methods and techniques are studied with the most skilled craftsmen in an exclusive, one-on-one context in the belief that creativity and know- how must be developed at the same pace and in close contact with one another. It is with this in mind that new creative and design offices were recently opened in Florence in Via della Vigna in a Renaissance-era building. Here, Elena Ghisellini’s team, chosen over the years from among the most talented specialists she has encountered during the course of her career, gives life and substance to her entire collection.
