Lisa Silveira grew up in Salem, Ore., and moved in 2003 to study fashion at The Art Institute of Portland.  One of her greatest passions is travel, from which she draws much inspiration.  In 2005 she spent 4 months in Florence, Italy studying silk painting, batik, jewelry design, oil painting, and the ways of Italian fashion and “La Bella Figura”, a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and proper behavior.  It was here that Lisa developed her passion for Italian fashion, knitwear and textiles.  In 2007 she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design from the Art Institute of Portland.  Shortly after Lisa ventured back to her beloved Florence, Italy to intern with a Florentine fashion designer.  She is now a contract designer for a local Portland fashion label as well as designer for her upcoming Italian inspired knitwear line.