Unzipped: Aneta Popovic

Name: Aneta Popovic

Age
23

Position
Head designer and owner of cheeky womenswear label JYNX

My childhood dream job
I have always been very passionate about the fashion industry and loved doing anything where I can explore my creativity, developing an idea in to a garment, creating a look, a mood and a style is how I express myself. So naturally, I followed my dream of being a designer and turned it into a reality

My first job
I did a bit of waitressing and retail, but that was when I realised I would only ever be 100 per cent happy working for myself

My big break
I was lucky to be given the opportunity to start my own label at such a young age, so far this has been my biggest break

My proudest moment
Seeing my first collection walk through the streets of Sydney

My biggest mistake
Every mistake and regret in my life has gotten me to where I am today and I wouldn't change a thing

My biggest fashion faux pas
Probably my ugg boots, I just can't seem to part with them in winter, Coco Chanel would turn in her grave

My mentor
I am inspired by designers I idolise, Tom Ford, John Galliano, Gianni Versace and Karl Lagerfeld so in a way they are my mentors from a business point of view, but on a more personal level, my mentor would have to be my Father. He is the force that drives me to succeed. He created a life and a home, something very spectacular out of nothing, starting from the bottom and working his way up. If I could accomplish half of what he has I would be more than happy

If I wasn't in fashion I'd be
Devastated, I can't imagine my life if I wasn't doing the one thing I am most passionate about

My idea that never took off
Bringing the '40s and '50s glamour back; I love the elegance of that era

In my spare time I
Love to travel so in my spare time (which isn't much) I love going back home to Croatia and Serbia to be with my family

People would be surprised to know I
Am a total extremist. I love skydiving, snowboarding and paragliding, anything to get the blood pumping

I want my epitaph to say
Brought style and passion to a town with no fashion