KENA is a natural knitwear brand that was brought to life on a idyllic island in the arm of the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Estonia’s largest island Saaremaa. Pine trees, junipers and sea – this is where time stops and whisper has an echo.
KENA is more than just a brand – it’s a way of life and its goal is conscious and sustainable living . Ethically and carefully handcrafted natural knitwear is inspired by the island’s nature wild and rugged beauty and handicraft heritage of the Nordic people .
Kerli – Founder and designer of KENA
I began my studies in Technical Design and Technology at TTK University of Applied Sciences in 2008 and graduated in 2013. During my studies, I also spent a year at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, gaining valuable international experience.
My passion for fashion and clothing design started in early childhood. I first sewed garments for my dolls and later for myself, and throughout primary and secondary school I created several collections that I showcased at various fashion competitions. Choosing a path in fashion design felt like a natural continuation of this passion.
Creating my own brand was a long-held dream and a logical next step. I have always known that I want to create something with my own hands—something timeless, long-lasting and truly useful, while keeping the environmental footprint as small as possible.
My journey into knitwear design was not an overnight decision either. I practically grew up around domestic knitting machines—my mother studied knit product manufacturing and has been knitting on a manual machine for more than thirty years. Today, I hold a professional certificate in machine knitting myself, and I feel that combining my knowledge of fashion design with knitwear production gives me the freedom to create without limits.
