Fashion designer Zeopatra, founder of Boy Vienna, has been a rising star in the fashion world, crafting a career defined by creative freedom and a deep-rooted passion for self-expression. Her path to success has been shaped by both the influence of her family and the challenges she’s overcome in the demanding world of fashion. With a story that weaves together personal influences, high-profile industry experience, and a steadfast vision, Zeopatra’s journey offers insights into the resilience and creativity that define her brand.
Growing up, Zeopatra was immersed in an environment of creativity and hands-on design, thanks to her mother’s unique sense of style and resourceful approach to fashion. Watching her mother skillfully create and modify her own clothes, experimenting with accessories and different fabrics, left a lasting impression on young Zeopatra. “Growing up, watching my mom showed how fun and impactful personal style is,” she recalls. This early exposure to creativity didn’t just teach her about fashion; it sparked her own ambition to become a designer. In fact, Zeopatra credits these early influences as the foundation of her career, noting that her mother’s bold self-expression demonstrated the freedom that comes with truly personal style.
While her mother’s influence was key, Zeopatra’s broader family ties to the textile industry also played a role in her decision to pursue a career in fashion. Coming from a family of engineers, she always felt a need to find her own path that would allow her to embrace her creativity. Fashion design felt like a natural choice, combining her family’s industrial knowledge with her own artistic sensibility. “Seeing my mom’s creativity and growing up around the textile industry since both my parents and grandpa were a part of it seemed like a natural choice,” she explains. Through her journey, Zeopatra has remained committed to her unique vision, creating designs that not only showcase her creativity but also inspire her audience to embrace their individuality.
After honing her skills in New York, Zeopatra gained valuable experience working with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Calvin Klein. Collaborating with these major brands gave her a firsthand look at the rigorous processes involved in large-scale fashion production. However, it also underscored the limitations inherent in corporate design roles, sparking her desire to launch her own brand. “Launching my own brand, Boy Vienna, is my biggest achievement,” she says. “There’s a lot of processes an idea has to go through before it’s executed. As an independent designer, your only limitation is your imagination and your own ability to execute. It’s very liberating.”
The transition from working for established labels to building her own brand wasn’t without its challenges. Moving to New York over a decade ago marked the beginning of her professional journey and was also one of her toughest hurdles. Adjusting to the fast pace and competitive nature of the industry required persistence and resilience. Zeopatra quickly learned that there are no shortcuts in fashion. “I learned that just by putting one foot in front of the other and taking your career day by day has been the best method for my journey,” she reflects. This approach has helped her stay focused on her purpose, viewing each day as a step towards a bigger creative vision.
Now, with Boy Vienna as her platform for self-expression, Zeopatra is focused on enjoying the creative process and pursuing collaborative opportunities that align with her brand’s ethos. “Ultimately, my dream is to continue my brand and have as many amazing collaborations along the way,” she shares. “My goal with my art is to share what excites me, and hopefully, that’s something that inspires others to join my world.” This sense of purpose drives her designs and fuels her ambition to expand her brand’s reach.
While Zeopatra’s professional journey is uniquely her own, she attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, who continues to be a powerful role model in her life. “My mom is the most inspiring,” Zeopatra says. “She sees the world so differently than most people and has unbreakable confidence.” This influence has shaped not only her work but also her approach to life, teaching her to maintain a positive outlook even when facing setbacks.
One of her biggest professional challenges came with the onset of COVID-19, which disrupted her plans and led her to a crossroads. Having been a creative director at another company, Zeopatra found herself suddenly out of the industry, a jarring experience that ultimately motivated her to establish Boy Vienna. “COVID was crazy for all of us,” she reflects. “I think I just learned, as cliché as it is, that when one opportunity is gone, just take a moment to see where that could lead you.” This lesson has become central to her philosophy, reminding her of the importance of adaptability and resilience.
Through her career, Zeopatra has learned to never grow too comfortable. She remains dedicated to exploring new ideas and challenging her routine to stay inspired. “Never get too comfortable and don’t lose sight of why you started in the first place,” she advises. This wisdom, rooted in years of industry experience, keeps her grounded and focused on her artistic mission. For Zeopatra, success isn’t just about recognition or financial gain; it’s about freedom—the freedom to create, to choose her projects, and to live a life aligned with her passions.
Reflecting on her journey, Zeopatra offers advice she would give her younger self: “Just realize that anything truly is possible.” It’s a mantra that encapsulates her resilient spirit and belief in the transformative power of creative expression. Looking to the future, Zeopatra hopes to be remembered as someone who brought joy and inspiration into the lives of others. “I hope my legacy is as someone who made every day a little more enjoyable,” she says, envisioning a future where her brand continues to inspire individuality and confidence.
As she continues to expand Boy Vienna, Zeopatra’s story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring designers. Her journey is a reminder that with passion, resilience, and a commitment to one’s vision, anything is possible in the world of fashion.
Click here to check her Instagram.
