Carlena was born from a love story — for design, for Italy, and for things made with soul. It is the project of Giancarlo, Italian-American, and Elena, a couple united by the desire to share with the world the authentic beauty of mid-century Italian design. From the streets of Milan to the banks of the James River in Richmond, Virginia, their journey has become a continuous dialogue between two cultures, two sensibilities, and one shared vision of timeless elegance. After years spent exploring markets, archives, and private collections across Italy, Giancarlo and Elena transformed their passion into a mission: to bring the legacy of the great Italian masters to the United States and beyond, preserving its integrity and cultural value.
Thus was born Carlena — not only a gallery, but an ideal home where every piece tells a story of material, time, and beauty. Operating exclusively online, Carlena is a U.S.-based company that sources its collections in Italy and offers them directly to clients across America. Through a deep understanding of materials and Italian design techniques, Carlena embodies the harmony of culture, craftsmanship, and aesthetic refinement at the heart of its identity. Today, Carlena stands as a bridge between past and future, between Italy and the United States, between the artisan’s gesture and the pursuit of beauty. Each project is born from a simple yet profound belief: that beauty is not a trend, but a way of living — and that certain objects, like certain encounters, are meant to endure.