ABOUT

Hey! We're Mario and Gabriella — long-time friends and the creative duo behind LUI & ELLE, a multidisciplinary art and design studio in Helsinki. Our work blends fashion, art, and interior design, to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces for artistic hedonists like us who value authenticity and individuality over chasing trends. We also offer a range of unique products and services tailored to both B2C and B2B clients.

But LUI & ELLE is more than a studio. It's also a showroom and gallery — a curated space where we showcase our work alongside other collaborators and emerging artists. It's a creative incubator that hosts exhibitions, pop-ups, launches, and PR happenings, giving brands and creatives alike the opportunity to cross-promote with our LUI & ELLE fam while boosting engagement, visibility, and fostering genuine connections.

So if you're an artist hunting for affordable gallery space, a brand looking to disrupt the status quo, or a fellow creative wanting to collab, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch here.

MARIO cadenas

I’m an American designer and visualist based in Helsinki. I hold a Master of Arts and Design degree in Fashion from Aalto University and bring over two decades of international work experience across design, manufacturing, styling, merchandising, and sales.

Beyond my formal training and professional background, I consider myself a modern Renaissance man of many interests — a self-taught artist and carpenter, as well as an avid collector and conservator of antiques and vintage objects.

GABRIELLA le blanc

I’m an American marketing and public relations professional. My career has centered on brand strategy, communications, and creative campaign development, helping international clients bring their vision to life.

I am also a self-taught artist, interior design enthusiast, and curator with a passion for blending aesthetics and storytelling. My work consists of finding beauty in details and weaving them into meaningful experiences.

MANIFESTO

LUI & ELLE was founded on a simple principle: to defy and denounce the frivolously fast pace of fashion and the excessive production of home goods. Relentless manufacturing across these industries creates dire consequences for the planet and society — fueling resource depletion, pollution, massive waste, workforce exploitation, and community defilement.

Recognizing these devastating effects, we decided to act. We believe in mindful indulgence—a harmonious balance of desire and purpose. Our solution was twofold: to create new products made to order or in limited quantities, and to give new life to prematurely discarded products through customization. We reimagine, redesign, and repurpose pre-existing clothing and home goods, proving that style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Each piece is crafted with ethical integrity and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, designed for individuals with the conviction to choose innovative design and uniqueness over fleeting trends. LUI & ELLE is a symbol for those who strive to be different, proving that the most compelling artwork, interiors and sartorial statements are born from defiance.

We aim to build a lifestyle brand on our own terms, one that reduces waste and promotes mindful consumption through sustainable design practices. Devoted to quality and service, we forge trust-based connections with our clients while fostering a supportive community of local brands and creatives through collaboration. With this collective approach, we contribute to the future of a circular economy, ultimately shaping a new era of sustainable luxury and multidisciplinary design.