Hello, I’m Lily — the heart and mind behind Élan Petite. I’m a visual artist with a background in portrait photography and a career in technology — an old soul with a practical twist, a passionate heart, and a deep love for beauty. Born and raised in Rome and now living in the U.S., I’ve spent my life navigating both continents — and both worlds — always drawn to what is timeless, intentional, and quietly powerful.

Fashion and art run in my family — one of my grandfathers was a painter, and several relatives worked in the fashion industry.

One of the earliest memories I have is of a sweet little cherry dress hanging on a wooden hanger. It was a gift from my dad, and I still remember the pure joy I felt — not just because it was beautiful, but because it made me feel seen and celebrated. That quiet thrill of self-expression stayed with me. Over the years, personal styling has become my “happy place” — something I return to on both sunny and rainy days.

Standing at 5'1", I know what it’s like to feel out of place in the fashion world. I was raised by a single dad and grew up in a family of tall people — always adapting, always reaching. As an adult, I quickly realized that expressing personal style as a petite woman required more strategy, more intention, and often, more courage.

The truth is, most style advice wasn’t made for women of our size. And when it is, it’s often incomplete, trendy, superficial, childish, or oversimplified.

Élan Petite was born from longing. I wanted more than cropped trends and ill-fitting tips. I wanted elegance. I wanted proportion. I wanted a space that didn’t shrink us — in size or in spirit — but elevated us.

So I created one.

This is a space for women who long for elegance, proportion, and a style that empowers them — not reduces them. A place for women who are ready to stop settling and start showing up as the most elevated version of themselves — proudly and joyfully petite.