Reader of the Week: Zoica Matei
By Molly Lynch
Published: September 16th, 2008 | 11:45am
Fashion designer Zoica Matei is living proof that stylish threads can still have a conscience. Drawing inspiration from the scenic landscapes of Romania, her timeless designs give the term “eco-chic” a whole new spin. The Venus Zine reader and classy fashionista takes time to dish about her experiences in the fashion industry, and how her love for good design and the Earth go hand-in-hand.
I read on your website that you created your first dress when you were only 13-years-old! At that young age, what inspired you to break into fashion?
While in the middle school, I realized that I have a flair for fashion sketching, and I started adding side notes, swatches and collecting them in a notebook. Having a sewing machine that she was using to make things for the house, and not clothing items, my mom never encouraged me to learn how to sew, because she did not think there was much future into making clothes. I learned it anyway, and found out that it was not too hard. While getting ready for my first summer away from home and without much to wear — since we had to wear uniforms to school — I felt the need for an outfit. I made a sketch and went out and got two fabrics. I showed them to mom, making it sound like an easy project: we had a sketch, fabric and a rather simple design I thought, ‘so, how hard can it be?’
She was not cheerful about it, but helped me anyway. The dress turned out beautifully … I even took pictures, as evidence, just in case the dress did not make it over the summer.
How did growing up in Romania influence your work?
Seeing my grandmother weaving … taking care of field and garden, my mom knitting and sewing, I became sensitive to the timeless beauty of great designs, to the art of being stylish without wearing the latest trends, and of being more conscious of the need to give back, not just take.
I also loved Romania’s beautiful landscape and was surrounded by it for years. When I reached college age, a design school was not available, so I chose horticulture. Later, I incorporated my love for Earth and fashion through my designs and mission.
When did you decide to come to the United States?
I was 27, and realized that my dreams could not have been accomplished there [in Romania], and that I was armed with enough understanding and bravery for the next step.
What designers, if any, do you admire the work of?
I admire Stella McCartney’s designs and business practices.
The home page of your website says; "Welcome to change-inspired clothing!" What do you mean by that?
My message is simple: We need to change our approach to fashion and make it trans-seasonal, and yet fashionable, while promoting sustainability.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned throughout your career thus far?
That every step is a process and it takes longer than you would expect, but you need to keep the staying power, and not forget the dream that fuels it all.
I think it's great that you're into providing women with eco-friendly clothing while keeping in mind the need to have clothes that flatter the body. Do you feel like these things rarely go hand-in-hand?
I think that we need to change the perception that eco-friendly means wearing a T-shirt with a printed motto in front, or a rather expensive or un-stylish piece of clothing. Eco-friendly can — and should — flatter the body, while being seasonless and stress free.
What advice would you give budding fashion designers?
In order to realize our dreams, we need to be very committed and recognize that our journey will take a lot longer than we could have imagined, and will take much more energy than we would like it to take.
What do you love most about your job?
Everything about it is so rewarding — when you do not feel that you’ve been working for 12 hours straight, you know that you must love it. Here are some special moments: finding a special fabric; chatting about weather or kids with my suppliers; making 7 sketches in half an hour for a custom green wedding dress; getting feedback from customers; offering a helping hand.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself as succeeding in bringing slow fashion and sustainability to the forefront of the fashion industry. I also feel I will have succeeded in giving 10,000 microloans to different individuals through Kiva.org, and [will have] planted 10 million trees in the most needed areas around the world, while operating a 100 percent green business.
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Zoica Matei's website
Issue #35
Comments
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Debra (9 months)
Great story. Zoica is truly passionate about her purpose. Her designs are the new classics for everyone interested in more than just the look of fashion. Debra Stokes Eloge Enterprises
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