Elena Bagne

Designer

BIOGRAPHY

Elena Bagne is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, filmmaker, and community organizer based in North Minneapolis. Born in Kazan, Russia, her creative vision is deeply influenced by the aesthetics of industrial brutalism, urban architecture, and utilitarian workwear. These early impressions shaped her design sensibility and continue to inform her evolving body of work.

Elena began designing clothing while still in high school, a passion that eventually led to the founding of her independent fashion label, Minneapolis Made. Her design process is rooted in intention and sustainability—each piece begins with hand-drawn sketches and incorporates locally and ethically sourced fabrics. From her home studio in North Minneapolis, she screen prints and sews garments that reflect both her Russian heritage and her blue-collar Midwestern upbringing. Her collections explore themes of home, resilience, and identity, weaving personal history into wearable art.

In addition to fashion, Elena has integrated film and photography into her practice, pushing the boundaries of how stories can be told through visual culture. She is the co-founder and co-director of The Red Light House, a Minneapolis-based arts collective and venue that serves as a creative hub for experimental art, performance, and collaboration. Through this platform, she fosters space for emerging and underrepresented voices, building a vibrant and supportive arts ecosystem for young creatives in the Twin Cities.

Driven by a belief in the power of community and self-expression, Elena continues to expand her artistic reach with the goal of building global networks rooted in local connection.

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