Cara Eliza Atelier originated from the Durham University Venture labs in the summer of 2026. Inspired by my own life experiences, and imagery from therapeutic processes, I began designing clothes related to specific parts of my story.
Previously, I had painted these moments onto canvas, but fashion design became the more relevant medium as I worked to connect my mind and body through somatic healing; and so, it made sense to channel this creativity onto something so close to the body.
Frustrated by the impossibility of finding a statement dress that is environmentally and socially conscious, I decided to take initiative. These ideas and designs I felt could not merely stay in my notebook. I needed to do something with them for my self.
And so with some further consideration, and the support of the university and friends, Cara Eliza Atelier was born; an initiative that considers everything and more that I could imagine.
I hope that I can enable others to feel empowered to make more informed decisions about their consumption habits, whilst considering how they can truly express themselves in their clothes, our most available medium of expression.
My intent is to enable people to appreciate themselves through their garments, which is uniquely enabled by my consultation, co-creation service. I hope people can stand out in the most idiosyncratic, personalised way, being so tangibly connected to their own stories.
