Text and Photographs by Elena Bianca Zagari
“Un Mondo Proprio” (A World of One’s Own) emerged from my ongoing exploration of women’s identities in Naples, my hometown. This work examines the contradictions that shape women’s lives in Italian society, particularly how gender norms intersect with personal and collective acts of agency. The project evolved into both an ethnographic and photographic study of how women inhabit, resist, and reimagine their roles in a city marked by deep contrasts—beauty and chaos, devotion and repression, tradition and change.
In Naples, Catholic symbolism—especially the image of the Virgin Mary—is everywhere. Shrines on street corners, balconies, and walls quietly reinforce ideals of purity, sacrifice, and silence. In this environment, women have long been told how to act, what to wear, and when to speak. Yet beneath these heavy expectations lies another story: one of refusal, reinvention, and empowerment. I was drawn to capturing the subtle but powerful ways women create their own spaces of freedom. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and nightclubs become worlds where they reclaim their bodies and identities, away from the male-dominated streets. The rituals of dressing, applying makeup, and adorning themselves with glitter and color are not trivial—they are acts of resistance, declarations of presence, a way of saying: I am here.
To me, fashion in this context is deeply political. It can serve as both shield and weapon, a tool for shaping one’s image in defiance of patriarchal and religious expectations. The women I photographed aren’t waiting for permission to exist—they are already here, unapologetic and multifaceted, taking up space on their own terms. This book is a tribute to them, to their strength, joy, and vulnerability, which together reflect a collective power: women who insist on being seen and who turn silence into testimony. “Un Mondo Proprio” is about the tension between visibility and escape, about transforming shame into witness, and about creating—even in the city’s smallest corners—a world of one’s own.
About the artist
Elena Bianca Zagari is a documentary and fashion photographer and director based in London, Milan, and Naples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about A World of Her Own by Elena Bianca Zagari
General Beginner Questions
Q What is A World of Her Own about
A Its a book that explores the journey of selfdiscovery and empowerment for women encouraging them to build a life defined by their own values dreams and strength rather than external expectations
Q Who is the author Elena Bianca Zagari
A Elena Bianca Zagari is an author and advocate for womens empowerment She writes to inspire women to embrace their authentic selves and create fulfilling lives
Q Is this a fiction or nonfiction book
A It is a nonfiction selfhelp and inspirational book
Q Who is this book best for
A Its ideal for any woman feeling stuck seeking more purpose or looking to redefine her life on her own terms Its helpful for those navigating life transitions building confidence or exploring personal growth
Q Is it a religious or spiritual book
A While it may touch on themes of inner peace and purpose it is not exclusively religious Its focus is on practical and emotional empowerment
Content Themes
Q What are the main themes of the book
A Key themes include selflove independence breaking free from societal pressures building resilience and creating a personal definition of success and happiness
Q Does the book provide practical exercises or is it just theory
A It typically includes a mix of inspirational stories reflective questions and practical exercises designed to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives
Q Can you give an example of a problem the book addresses
A A common problem is the pressure to have it alljuggining career family and social life perfectly The book addresses how to let go of this unrealistic ideal and design a life that truly works for you
Q What makes this book different from other selfhelp books for women
A Its distinction lies in its specific focus on crafting a personal world It emphasizes that there is no single right way to be a woman and empowers the reader to be the author of her own story
Practical Application Advanced Questions