Purity. Not exactly what one will describe about Barcelona, a city filled with stunning architecture, decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Yet, once the eye is informed, one sees purity in all the intricate lines, ornamental details, and organic forms. When I visited this magnificent city, purity is elevated into art, everywhere.  Gently weaved into this season, is a purity familiar yet untainted; a purity in youth and form. Yet, ever infused with a contemporary touch.

This season, we created two exclusive corduroy prints in nature-saturated shades of Bleu Minuit or Vert Sapin, capturing the fluid elegance of Art Nouveau. These prints, along with luxurious velvet and cotton twill dresses, are elevated by delicate embroidery inspired by Art Nouveau-era patterns. Discover rich textures and tonal depths that underline the collection’s exquisite charm, as we ready the children for yet another captivating Autumn Winter season. The true belles of the ball are the tulle and occasion dresses, each adorned with refined details that embody the elaborate grace of Art Nouveau. Each dress is meticulously crafted: every stitch, every pleat, every embellishment adding to a pristine sense of wonder and opulence.

The AW25 collection is a modern-day celebration of the unmatched purity in the Art Nouveau history and beauty. A celebration matched only by the detailed craftsmanship behind each treasured piece, made with love, made with care, and made to last; like a piece of art.
Purity, just like once upon a time, c’era una volta.

C’era una volta… is an Italian label created for newborns through to sixteen  year-olds. Delicate, pure and refined, it is a timeless brand dedicated to dress children beautifully, just as they are.  Believing always in a soft, comfortable touch, chief designer and founder, Emanuela Nurra, designs each piece with all the love of a passionate mother for her 2 young daughters. Just like how her grandmother and mother, from the south of Italy,  Sardinia,  loved her and her 2 sisters.

​C’era una volta simply means “Once upon a time” in Italian and it’s a simple phrase we often hear during childhood, when parents read stories to their children. We hope each C’era una volta piece will be treasured as a keepsake for your children and the generation to follow.

Emanuela and Paola met by chance in 2015 in their favorite bakery in Shanghai.

Ever since, they are not only tight by a great friendship, common life and family values, but they also share the same passion for travels, design, fashion and details. Since 2017 they share the same vision for C’era una volta and they passionately work to create their lifetime dream.