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In a fashion world dominated by fleeting trends and loud branding, Nela Penna offers something radically different — a quiet power, tailored elegance, and a deep-rooted philosophy of femininity and meaning. Her label, PENNA Atelier, has become a beacon of refined confidence, worn by women who lead not by volume, but by presence.
Your brand of luxurious and elegant women’s clothing was born out of passion, without aggressive marketing. How did you manage to win the hearts of women around the world? What skills does a modern designer need to stay relevant in the era of fast fashion? And what role has your background in economics played in building your fashion business?
PENNA Atelier was born out of a deep love for aesthetics, femininity, and quality. My sister and I never chased numbers — we focused on emotion. And that’s what resonated with women across the world. In a time when fashion is consumed quickly and without meaning, we offered something lasting, soulful, and strong.
A modern designer must be both an artist and a strategist — someone who understands women, but also understands the market. My degree in economics gave me clarity in business decisions, but my heart and intuition guided the creative process. That balance has been the key to our growth.
What does “luxury with meaning” mean to you, and how is this philosophy reflected in every piece created by PENNA Atelier? Where does your creative process begin — with the fabric, the idea, or the vision of the woman who will wear it?
To me, “luxury with meaning” means not shouting with a label, but whispering with confidence. Every piece we create carries the energy of the woman it’s made for — it’s not just an adornment, but an extension of her identity.
My creative process often begins with a feeling. I imagine the woman — her presence, her silence, her power when she enters a room. Then I choose the fabric, shape the silhouette, and build the piece around her energy. Each design becomes her armour — made of silk.
How would you describe a woman who walks into a room wearing PENNA Atelier? What message is she sending to the world? What sets apart the woman who chooses PENNA Atelier from others?
A woman in PENNA Atelier doesn’t have to say anything — she is seen, felt, and respected. She doesn’t seek attention — she already owns it. There is nothing loud in her presence, but everything about her is unforgettable.
She chooses quality, intention, and identity. She doesn’t follow trends — she transcends them. She’s not a replica — she’s the original. And she knows that her greatest contrast is her strength in softness.
You’ve trained in kickboxing and are passionate about active sports. Has that influenced your approach to fashion? How do you find the balance between strength and elegance — both in design and in your personal life?
Absolutely. Sports gave me discipline, focus, and inner strength, and kickboxing taught me how to defend myself — not just physically, but emotionally. That mindset is reflected in how I design: I always seek the balance between softness and power.
In fashion, that means creating structured pieces that honour the body without restricting it. In life, it means I can be both delicate and unshakable — because true elegance is born from self-trust.
Which piece from the PENNA collections holds the most symbolic meaning for you — and why?
That would definitely be our first tailored suit. It was born in a moment when I was rebuilding my personal and professional life — a symbol of independence, resilience, and a promise to myself not to settle.
Even today, when a woman orders a suit from us, I feel like it’s more than fashion — it’s her uniform for new victories. When she sees herself in the mirror, I want her to feel what I once did: I can do anything.