Victoria Cocieru

Moldova

Age: 27

Victoria Cocieru was born and raised in a small village in Moldova and had a natural born talent for design. Her mother encouraged her to become a designer, and at 18 she left her small village for the big city to attend the University of Design in Moldova. After graduating, she gained experience in the fashion industry by working on the sample team at a manufacturer of major brands such as Armani, Burberry, Max Mara, and Guess. In addition to working in fashion, she was an on-air host for a beauty and fashion television show. In 2010, Victoria opened her own store in Chisinau and sold 200 pieces in the first day to clients and celebrities who attended the opening. Three years ago, she won a green card through a competition to move to the United States, so she and her husband, a professional soccer player, packed up their stuff to begin their new life. In 2011 she launched her brand, Kheops, which features ready-to-wear pieces. Victoria’s designs have been featured in Culture Trip and have been shown in major fashion shows around the world. She has dressed host of E! Patricia Zavala and America’s Next Top Model’s Rio Summers. Victoria strives to design sophisticated, attention-grabbing looks for powerful women and incorporates bold colors and geometric patterns into her designs. A hardworking and focused designer, Victoria is dedicated to creating a name and life for herself in fashion and cannot see herself in any other career path.