I want to touch people through my art.

I want them to stop, to be puzzled, to get curious - curious enough to move toward something new and surprising…

Her artistic media may vary - textiles, acrylic paint, clay, photo…  She is drawn to any medium or combination which helps to “attire” a story, express character or meaning, or create a wholeness of parts - an eyewink of Magic.

Her passion is to inspire people, to make them wonder, to encourage them to discover and inhabit their expressive selves, perhaps even the hidden self waiting to be heard.

Elena is a Canadian artist, born in Siberia.  She was always attracted to art, its history and its development. Her early career as a professional dancer was cut short by injury.  She then obtained her MA in forensic psychology and worked extensively with individuals, institutions and corporations. She followed with degrees in economics, linguistics and organizational development - quite a range…  She was always hungry for knowledge, and even more - for understanding…  Her life was never dull - different challenges, different professional and life tasks, different countries and people - a lot of stories! She loves stories…

Currently, Elena works at her Magic Garment Design Studio, where she creates bespoke whimsical garments and does creative wardrobe makeovers. She also creates limited edition collections of ARTISTYLE accessories, under the Van_Dakuroff brand. She loves to animate people’s stories through the lines and colours of unique garments. Her design preference is clean lines, minimalist style, with Scandinavian and Japanese influence - and some artsy spice!

THE FABRIC

The 'Bulky' scarves:

Bamboo/cotton stretch jersey (66% rayon from bamboo, 28% cotton, 6% spandex) + anti-pill velour fleece (100% recycled polyester)

The Jersey scarves: 

Bamboo/cotton stretch jersey (66% rayon from bamboo, 28% cotton, 65% spandex) + stretch bamboo feather jersey (67% rayon from bamboo, 29% cotton, 4% spandex)

All textiles are produced at a mill which puts sustainability first. 

The specialty about the bamboo fabric is that it is softer than cotton, with a texture similar to a blend of cashmere and silk - very breathable, moisture-wicking, fast drying and thermal regulating (makes you feel cooler in hot weather and warmer in cool weather). Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, due to a special bio-agent that the Japanese have called “kun,” which resists the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the fibre. It also means that the garment needs less frequent washing, making it lasting longer.