Color, instinct and personal expression
Stylist, creative consultant and one of the most recognized figures in international street style , Elisa Nalin has built a visual language where color is transformed into thought and emotion.
From Paris to Lisbon, where she currently lives, Elisa embodies pure aesthetic intuition and rare effortless sophistication. In this talk, she reflects on how she sees fashion and the world today — and what continues to inspire her.
Stivali is synonymous with… High-end fashion, sophistication and elegance.
Here you always feel… At home. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is lovely and the space is airy and welcoming.
A piece that caught her eye in the boutique… Phoebe Philo’s quilted fringed fur shawl — fun, comfortable and capable of transforming any look.
This editorial was… So fun! I’ve loved trying on clothes for as long as I can remember. Creating looks, playing with colors, patterns and textures is really what I know how to do best.
How do we recognize her by her style? By the colors. I use them constantly — mixing very different shades or exploring shades of the same color. I love colors to the point of thinking about teaching other people to integrate them into their daily lives.
A whim he never regrets: A coat in pink and acid yellow fur by Dries Van Noten — it was love at first sight.
What do you like the most about not liking? I don’t like not liking! I’m very positive and I always try to see the bright side… But I’ve never been a fan of the chunky sneaker trend.
The work of someone we should follow: Wales Bonner. I can’t wait to see what it does at Hermès Homme.
Where is the fashion industry headed? Only God knows. But I hope it moves towards real sustainability — reducing mass production, waste, and exploitation. The world needs it.
Something (or someone) amazing that happened to you through work: I met a lot of amazing people, some of my best friends. I’ve worked with a lot of actresses and talents on wonderful projects, but one that I cherish is a short film we made for Roger Vivier with creative director Gherardo Felloni and director/screenwriter Andrea Danese. Both have a powerful imagination and assembled an eclectic cast that included Isabella Rossellini, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Anna Cleveland and the iconic Sandra Milo. She was Fellini’s muse and his lifelong friend. I’ve always admired her deeply, and meeting her on set — finding out that she shared my mother’s birthday — was very special. She passed away shortly after the film’s premiere. I feel very lucky to have met her. Styling that project and developing Gherardo’s ideas for each character was magical.
Working in fashion taught her that… Following your dreams — combined with hard work — pays off. And that being true, unique and authentic is your greatest strength in such a competitive industry.
The people who understand it and make things happen? I think! I do almost everything by myself, with the precious help of my assistants and the love of my friends, who are always there to support me.
What surprised you the most about becoming a mother? The unconditional love that doesn’t stop growing — and the amount of sleepless nights that the body can handle!
How has your style changed? The biggest change was to stop wearing high heels on a daily basis. That disappeared when I moved from Paris to Lisbon — you just can’t walk around the city in thin heels.
A little ritual that keeps her centered: I’ve been practicing Japanese Buddhism since 2006 and I’ve been meditating a lot. This year I also did level 1 Reiki — working with energy helps a lot.
Where will you spend this festive season? As I am traveling to Italy with my children and I have an important project in hand, I will stay in Lisbon during the holidays.
Where can we find it this festive season? Here in Lisbon, working on my Archivio – Ciao Buy! I’m very excited to finally open my personal archive for rent. From mid-December, you will be able to rent pieces that I have been gathering throughout my career: dresses, coats, shirts, skirts, accessories, jewelry, hats, bags, belts, shoes, boots… everything. You can also book a private styling session with me — just send me a message.
The best gift you’ve ever given? My time, my heart and my dedication to friends when they needed it.
A tradition that will never end? End — and start — the year in the ocean, preferably surfing.
A place you’re always coming back to: Sicily.
A getaway close to home: Meco or Melides.
A hotel of desire (or several): Cala Gonone in Sardinia; Villa Lage in Ria Formosa; Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily.
A place in Lisbon that everyone should talk about: The Salon — a new restaurant from three friends of mine. The food is delicious and you really have to order the banana bread with homemade ice cream and salted caramel cream. Comfort food at its finest.
Arrive on time or leave the party early? Both! I like to be on time, and lately I’ve been enjoying leaving early.
What person is it when no one is watching? Me, no excuses. Very true to myself — sometimes even too much. I don’t have filters and I don’t know how to be otherwise. What you see is what you have.
What should the world focus on? Peace, forgiveness and compassion. We need to reclaim humanist values — respecting and caring for each other — instead of thinking only about ourselves. World leaders need to guarantee basic human rights for all and protect the planet.
What is your current state of mind? Very happy and cheerful. I’m vibrating at a very high frequency thanks to a special program I’m doing with FREEFREE (a move that I invite you to follow). I am preparing for Reiki Level 2 while developing Archivio and my personalized styling and purchasing consulting service. Would you like to be styled by me, get help with your wardrobe or go on a shopping tour together? I am ready — and very willing — to share my skills with you.
