The upbringing of Elsa

Elsa Blue Dunn was born in Marin County, CA in 2001. Ever since she was young she was obsessed with all things fashion. This can be accredited to her mom’s influence- in fact, she even named her after the iconic designer, Elsa Schiaparelli.

Art has always been an essential part of Elsa’s life. As a child, she was constantly enrolled in art classes and grew up nurtured by a household where creativity was second nature. Her father, a trained fine artist, and her mother, a graphic designer instilled in her an early understanding of the power and purpose of art.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Elsa was surrounded by both the raw beauty of nature and cultural richness, her parents spent their weekends taking her between hiking trails, beach outings, and visits to museums.

These experiences that taught her to appreciate the harmony between natural and curated beauty. This foundation continues to shape her work today, influencing her ability to create imagery that feels both grounded and elevated.

Elsa’s early years

Before fashion became her main focus, Elsa spent over ten years as a trained dancer, fully immersed in a world of structured discipline, daily rehearsals, and competitive performances. She later focused on track and field as a sprinter, dedicating six years to the sport. Sprinting required an entirely different kind of focus—explosive energy, precision, and mental stamina. Both dance and athletics demanded rigorous training and a lifestyle built around consistency, resilience, and goal-setting.

These experiences taught Elsa that hard work truly pays off, and that success—whether on stage, on the track, or in the studio—comes from showing up with determination and purpose every day. The physical and mental strength she developed as an athlete continues to drive her creative work, giving her the confidence and work ethic to execute bold, ambitious visions in the fashion world.

The adolescence of Elsa

Elsa’s passion for fashion began in high school, where she discovered a deep love for second-hand shopping. She spent hours exploring thrift stores, antique shops, and vintage markets, drawn to the individuality and hidden history in each piece. This ritual became more than just about clothing—it was how Elsa began to truly cultivate her identity.

At the same time, Elsa was deeply immersed in the art world—creating bold, abstract paintings, participating in local art shows, and even selling stickers of her artwork. She explored storytelling from multiple angles, attending the Marin School of the Arts as a film student, where she further honed her creative eye through visual composition, concept development, and direction.

Through fashion, painting, film, and community, Elsa began to align her interests and find a sense of purpose. Each outlet offered a different piece of the puzzle, but together, they pointed her toward her true calling: fashion art direction—a space where she could blend her love of visual storytelling, styling, and emotional depth into one cohesive vision.