Original Kettenstich is born out of love for traditional embroidery, nostalgia and sustainable clothing

Zurich based Tattoo artist El Bernardes developed a real love for the traditional art of chainstitch embroidery. «Tattooing» on fabric and seeing a garment blossom into a one of kind piece of art really lit up the fire to create more and more pieces and finally start her own brand. El finds her inspiration from past times where the world seemed a little less complicated and non digitalized. Her work is inspired by anything from vintage automotive graphics to traditional tattoo flash, old fashion western wear to motorcycle culture. Nothing is off limits.
Every Original Kettenstich piece has been created with love by El. For her, success is more than just about having a bestselling product, its about creating pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride, something that can start up an interaction between the wearer and an onlooker. And with the intent of not contributing to the huge environmental impact of fast fashion, Original Kettenstich uses mostly vintage or reclaimed, high quality garments.