FASHION DESIGNER DANA MEIJERHOF
Fashion Designer Dana Zavidei-Meijerhof
Dana Zavidei-Meijerhof is the fashion designer behind Meijerhof. She is originally from Moldova, a small country between Romania and Ukraine, where she grew up until the age of 11. She and her family moved to Bucharest in Romania where she spent her teenage years and did her high school and bachelor studies. When she was 20 she moved to the Netherlands to do her Master’s degree and eventually life brought her to the beautiful Vienna. she has worked for several companies and has been involved in several projects. Right now she is the owner of her own label and the co-owner of a physical store.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
Deep down I would say since I was a child, for as long as I can remember. Up to the age of 15, I spent most of my winter and summer holidays with my grandmother, who herself is a seamstress and is a very gifted craftswoman. She passed on her passion to me. We would spend whole holidays sewing, knitting and creating different outfits for my dolls. I simply adored it. What I also remember from home is that I would gather all sheets belts and scarfs I could find to turn them into dresses to wear around the house and parade in front of my parents. Later, I got my Fashion & Design diploma in Romania and kept sewing outfits for myself and my friends. Over the years the wish grew to do one day what I’m doing today.
What’s it like being in the fashion industry?
In one word: exciting! It’s an industry where you keep learning and you get to meet very inspiring and interesting people. At the same time, it’s a hard field to be in. There are so many talented designers out there, there is so much on offer, the competition is tough and it’s a very hard industry to enter for a new label, such as my own.
How is the fashion industry in Vienna?
I love all the new brands and designers hopping everywhere in Vienna. It’s a very colorful and diverse market. Compared to cities like New York, London or Berlin it’s a very ‘safe’ market, By safe I mean the style being more classic and ‘within the lines’. But I already spot more daring developments.
What was your first job in the fashion industry?
Being the helper of my grandmother
Talk about the changes in your life since you‘ve your own clothing store.
It’s like a high-speed train. From the moment we decided to go for it, it has been a continuous trip without any breaks. On top of being pregnant and now being a mother made it’s even more intense. It did not bring too much change to my life, as it was already quite hectic. One thing that did change was the commitment to a certain place at certain times. I don’t have the flexibility to create my own schedule 100% per my liking. But in exchange it brings so much joy, it brings people together, I get to live my dream every day.
How do you choose your inspiration?
The female body and personality are what inspire me.
In one word how would you define yourself as a designer?
Feminine.
What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business
Know why you do what you do! Do it with passion and with a purpose. Follow your heart and be open to everything and keep on learning.
To know more about Dana, please visit: Meijerhof
