Fashion business: Lingerie by Elena Fenby of Gloucester exhibited in Paris and …
April 11, 2014 by admin
Filed under Lingerie Events
Being diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition just months after graduating from university, left Elena Fenby unable to get a job.
But in an inspirational turnaround, the 23-year-old from Longlevens has not only launched her own line of luxury lingerie but had it showcased around the world.
Less than two years after her diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the design graduate has already exhibited at shows in Paris, Hong Kong and Cheltenham and launched her own web-based company, By Elena.
“Because of my condition I was not able to get a job, which is why I decided to set up my own business,” said the 23-year-old. “I was not sure what I wanted to do and I came across the lingerie design, and it all went from there, really.
“But this is higher-end more expensive luxury lingerie which is very elegant and different to what people would normally buy.
“It has been very, very difficult but I have got to the point where I am getting my production run done and I have spoken to retailers who have given me some good comments and feedback.”
The creation of her products begins in her sewing room and she describes her range of bras, knickers and nightwear as functional items.
A number of her designs, which have been inspired by the Queen’s Jubilee, went on display at Cheltenham Fashion Week.
She studied lingerie design at De Montfort University in Leicester but was diagnosed in 2012 with ED- which causes stretchy skin, loose joints and fragile body tissues.
Elena also has postural auto-static tacycardi which affects the heart rate and blood pressure.
She said: “With Ehlers-Danlos, the body works much harder to keep the joints in place as they are extra loose which causes a lot of fatigue and pain. There were so many problems I came across and I could have quite easily said ‘I’m not carrying on’.
“But I have really enjoyed it. All of my products are made in the UK and that is something people are really interested in at the moment.”
Elena has saved the funds needed to launch her business and her website will go live as soon as her products are complete finished.
She was supported by the Prince’s Trust and its enterprise scheme, paid for by The European Regional Development Fund, which helps young people work out if their business ideas are viable and to get them off the ground.
