MEET THE DESIGNER

ZARA STALEVA

Zara Staleva is a Bulgarian-born designer currently based in the United States and the visionary behind STALEVA.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design in 2023, Zara’s journey is defined by relentless creativity and an uncompromising dedication to her craft.

Working at the intersection of art and fashion, Zara transforms human emotion into sculptural, wearable forms. Her avant-garde approach challenges traditional aesthetics through bold, futuristic, and extravagant designs that demand attention and provoke thought.

At the core of STALEVA lies a commitment to sustainability through reinvention. Zara’s distinctive process reimagines discarded materials, elevating them into striking, unconventional pieces that blur the line between waste and luxury. Each creation stands as a testament to her belief that what is overlooked can be transformed into something rare, powerful, and enduring.