Socks Designer ZoË Lea Got Bitches Galore

When we wake up it’s the first thing we put on: socks, socks, all type of socks. And Australian designer Zoë Lea, the boss behind the label Unempire, got plenty of them. That’s why we sat down with her, plus we wanted to figure out how much of the self-claimed bitches galore she really got.

Name: Zoë Lea
Location: Melborne, Australia
Job: Designer at Unempire
Starsign: Aries Fiyaa
Lost virginity at what age: The right one for me
Boyfriends so far: Eliminated

Zoë, how did UNEMPIRE come to be?
I was done working for other people. I wanted full control and creativity to do my thing 100%- my way.

You have tampons printed on your brand’s socks. Do you think the world is ready for that?
I was ready- so figured there’d be at least a few other ppl who’d be on board. Turns out more than a few.

With your collection’s imagery embracing „pussy power“,  tell us where that idea is coming from?
I just wanted to let ppl know where I stand on feminism / gender equality. I’m all for it.

Your brand name suggests gender power issues…
Not at all. I certainly come from a career background of working for and under (really shit/misogynistic) men. And being undervalued, underpaid and undermined in the process. Which I’m not bitter about, but it fuels my determination to make shit happen on my own now. But Unempire isn’t about gender power issues. If anything, it has a sentiment of anti-establishment/anti-consumerism. Fuck the corporates/solidarity with the independents. It’s about proving that I can run a business without compromising my values or shitting on other people to get ahead- Essentially just being a decent fucking human.

UNEMPIRE is currently a one man show. Once u start hiring people will men stand a chance.
Of course. I love dudes. I’m all about equality. MOST of closest homies are dudes. And Unempire is unisex. Always has been, always will be.

With fashion acting as a form of communication, do you ever consider mens reaction to your clothes line.
Not at all. I don’t consider either sex’s reaction. I put shit out there that I like and I believe in. If people aren’t into it, they’re not my people. The pussy power shit has actually sold equally as well with the dudes. Which is fucking dope. Proud to see the bros respecting our periods, and not being threatened by our vibrators.

In your opinion, apart from the obvious, where do men and woman differ most.
To be completely fucking honest. There is NO difference between us. The only difference is the mindsets that we’re are exposed to- and as individuals choose to adopt, or reject. And the mindset I personally choose to adopt is- we’re all the fucking same.

Whats your future vision for your brand?
Ima make it reign.

ZOË on the net: FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER

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