Elena Occidente
Elena has remarkable expertise in the field of fashion design. Prior to her appointment as Chief Design Officer in May 2023, she was Golden Goose’s Head of Ready-to-Wear and Accessories as of the day she joined the Company in 2020. Prior to that, she worked at Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh as a Senior Designer as of 2017, and at Agnona (which was then part of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group) as a Junior and then Senior Designer as of 2014. Her career began in 2012, as Personal Assistant to the Ready-to-Wear Head of Design at Lanvin. Born in 1990, her artistic journey began in 2009 at the London College of Fashion, where she attended the one-year Foundation Course in Art and Design. In 2014, she graduated from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, once again in London, after completing the BA Fashion Design Womenswear program.
When I started at Golden, I visited each of our suppliers to get a real feel of what’s behind our products. At a beloved leather supplier in Veneto, renowned for its unique and exquisite craftsmanship, I noticed a breathtaking leather jacket, made to look lived-in yet incredibly modern at the same time. I found out it was one of the first leather pieces ever made for Golden, exclusively designed twenty years earlier. I was captivated by its beauty, by its perfect imperfection. I knew right then it would become a statement piece of our Golden collection, which we have completely redesigned around such hidden gems to reflect our roots and authentic DNA – and to become timeless. This experience taught me the importance of building strong relationships with our suppliers, always doing their best to turn our dreams into reality. It also taught me the joy of rediscovering our past.
Soul Full, Soul Made, Soul Mate. These are the values of Golden. Which do you feel closer to and why?Soul Made. Whenever I think or create something, I always try to infuse it with a deep sense of personal expression, passion, and authenticity. I always feel involved in the creation process and every piece reflects my unique inner self and values. Soul Made when it comes to customers, as well. I try to be very mindful of customer-centricity and of delivering an experience or product that connects with them on a profound level, tapping into their own values. The product itself must go beyond functionality and utility. It has to evoke an emotional response, giving customers a meaningful and personalized experience.
Your favorite Golden Ready-to-wear item or accessory and why?A tailored suit/double-breasted jacket from the Golden Collection. I am always seeking for timeless pieces, and I always lean towards the classics, those pieces that will survive many seasons and that I know will always make me feel at ease and prepared for everyday life. A well-made tailored blazer, with its high-quality construction and timeless design, is an investment piece that can withstand evolving fashion trends and seasons. It never goes out of style.