Evgeniya Jivkova Granddaughter of Bulgaria's last communist leader Country: Bulgaria

Biography of Evgenia Zhivkova

Evgenia Zhivkova, the granddaughter of Bulgaria's last communist leader, has had an extraordinary journey in the fashion industry. After the social upheavals in Bulgaria, many former political figures turned to non-political pursuits, and Zhivkova followed a similar path. Over a century ago, Russian aristocrats also transitioned from political power to becoming creators in the fashion world. Prince Felix Yusupov opened the fashion house "Irfé" in Paris, while Princess Irina Galitzine (later Medici) became the owner of Galitzine fashion house in Italy.

Zhivkova, who had a strong interest in fashion since childhood, launched her career in the industry a few years ago. Today, she owns several fashion stores in Sofia and other major Bulgarian cities and dreams of opening more in "friendly" countries, with Moscow ranking high on the list. However, her path to success has not been without challenges.

Her grandfather, Todor Zhivkov, was arrested in January 1990 and spent six months in prison. When he was released, he had nowhere to live, so Evgenia took him in. Two years before his death, they managed to achieve an acquittal, but legal cases were opened against her uncle and brother due to their family's properties. These cases were only closed two years ago, after a twelve-year-long legal battle. Although no criminal charges were brought against Evgenia herself, she faced the closure of the scientific institute where she worked, the Institute of Culture at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which left her without a job.

Facing unemployment and with her infant child, Evgenia had to consider her next steps. Fortunately, her passion for fashion and her family background influenced her decision. Her mother, who was the Minister of Culture in the "Zhivkov era" and tried to open up Bulgaria culturally, may have played a role in her interest. Additionally, some believe that a prediction from the blind clairvoyant Baba Vanga, who forecasted her success in the fashion business, encouraged her to pursue this path.

Starting a career in fashion was not easy for Zhivkova. Money was scarce, and she feared that authorities might hinder her progress. The story of Irina Galitzine, who was arrested in her own atelier in front of the Queen of Greece and the Greek princess trying on her dresses, added to her fears. Consequently, Zhivkova initially outsourced the production of her first collection to women who knitted at home, as it was more cost-effective. It took her a year to gather a team for her fashion house, "Zheni Stil" (meaning "Zheni Style"). Her daughter, Andreya, also works as a model at the fashion house.

Today, Zhivkova is recognized for her talent and success. She has been awarded the "Golden Needle" by the Bulgarian Academy of Fashion twice, acknowledging her as the country's best designer. Her clientele includes post-communist elite figures in Bulgaria, such as Zorka Pyrvanova, the wife of the Bulgarian president, and Margarita Gomez-Acebo, the wife of the last Bulgarian king and the current prime minister. Despite dressing the elite, Zhivkova emphasizes that a significant portion of her collections is tailored for people with modest means.

Her designs are accessible to everyone, including ordinary individuals and even school students attending proms. Zhivkova takes their needs into account and strives to select affordable fabrics. Therefore, her models may also find popularity in other countries, including Russia, where the average salary is even higher than in Sofia. In her latest collection, Zhivkova frequently incorporates red, but black remains the predominant color.