"Zerya is a boutique with a difference. It began in 2018 with the idea of offering unique and eclectic fashion. The name Zerya is the name of my daughter, and means ocean. The ocean conjures up freedom and boundless possibilities. The Zerya concept rapidly evolved in response to the enthusiastic feedback of customers who were ethically conscious and turned off by a fashion industry awash in polyester and driven by a fast fashion mindset. Having grown up in a small village in the East of Turkey, I observed my mother and older sisters practicing old, handmade artisan traditions like natural fabric dyeing and carpet making. Sadly overtime I have noticed on my trips back to Turkey that these arts and crafts are dying out. This realisation inspired me to support the next generation of skilled artists engaged in these traditional practices which are increasingly threatened by globalisation. The move to ethically source old loomed, handmade fabrics for dresses with handmade creative felt designs was a paradigm shift. It inspired a new motto we are proud of: 'Art You Can Wear'. Our designs are inspired by nature, bringing a boho-chic aesthetic to each collection. My vision is to move away from cotton, which involves high water consumption, to materials such as hemp, silk, linen, and cupro. The Zerya project is something I feel deeply passionate about. I hope you will join us on the journey.
With love, Zohre (director of Zerya)

 

 

Zerya acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek where our physical store is located, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging.