WELCOME TO THE ZONE OF SEPARATION!

WELCOME TO THE ZONE OF SEPARATION!

Steven O'Malley

What is ZOS?

The Zone of Separation (ZOS) is a creative studio that currently specializes in the fashion of today. We design unique, custom-made fashion pieces. Our brand name represents our commitment to breaking free from conventional norms while encouraging our customers to embrace their individuality and be true to themselves.

At ZOS, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of fashion and taking bold risks. Our brand represents counter culture and innovation. We value uniqueness, individuality, discipline, and responsibility. We believe that fashion has the power to transform lives and create positive change and we are dedicated to making that a reality. 

Our logo, which features the 'Z' and 'S' in bold Tahoma font and the tree of life, symbolizes our brand's essence. Like a tree, our ideas take root and grow, bearing fruit that carries on our essence and values for generations to come.

How did ZOS get started?

The Zone of Separation originally comes from the Bosnian War. My father served in the US army, and when I was young, he was deployed overseas to Bosnia. The Zone of Separation was a buffer area established in Bosnia during the Bosnian War. It was created to separate the three ethnic groups in the country and to reduce violence. The zone covered an area of approximately 2,500 square miles (20% of the country).

When my father returned to the states, he had a tattoo of a cross with the acronym ZOS on the inside. My father didn’t let on to what ZOS meant until he felt I was mature enough to understand it. Once he told me what it meant, it became a mantra, a mindset, an attitude, and above all a lifestyle.

Using ZOS in my own personal life has helped propel me forward, and as a result I wanted to share ZOS with the world. 

I wanted people to be able to take away the same things I took from it. I also believed that people consuming the brand would lead to a literal Zone of Separation being created from what has already been established.

What inspired us to begin a creative studio?

"The wisdom of Peter Drucker is true: 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' This quote deeply resonated with me when I founded the ZOS creative studio. I was inspired by two main factors: first, I noticed that many brands lacked genuine substance and redeemable value. Second, I recognized the power of an idea to spread out and effect change in numerous ways. I envisioned a community of individuals who hold themselves to high standards, individuals who feel out of place in society's expectations. I wanted to create something that those individuals could represent and be a part of. 

I knew that ownership was always a part of my personal vision as well. Ownership has been and still is crucial because it provides a sense of control and autonomy. Working on something that comes directly from my mind is constantly motivating.

Above all, I cherish the act of creation itself - bringing my ideas to life and watching them take physical form is an incomparable joy. Creation allows me to bring my ideas and visions to life, to solve problems, and to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Our design philosophy

Our studio strives to both educate and inspire through the creations we produce. We take a nuanced approach to design, one that pays homage to the past while also innovating and elevating the style. Our goal is to evoke a sense of nostalgia while infusing freshness and novelty into each piece. We draw inspiration from a range of sources, including classic films, music, and pop-culture, as well as our own life experiences and the natural world. When people encounter our work, we hope they feel emboldened, motivated, and connected to a larger community. Our designs incorporate a diverse array of textiles, fabrics, and sew patterns that are both distinctive and visually appealing.

Trends & Inspiration

ZOS has drawn inspiration from a variety of current fashion trends. One such trend is the popularity of oversized clothing, which allows for more freedom of movement and a relaxed, casual look. This trend can be seen as a response to the often restrictive and body-conscious fashion trends of the past, and it provides individuals with a way to make a statement about their personal style and reject the norms of mainstream fashion.

In addition to oversized clothing, patterns have also been a long-standing trend in fashion. ZOS has taken a particular liking to classic black and white patterns such as stripes, polka dots, houndstooth, and checkered, which have been timeless and versatile. These patterns can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and they can be paired with a wide range of colors and accessories to create a variety of different looks.

The trend of using unique fabrics in fashion has become increasingly popular in recent years. Designers are incorporating unconventional fabrics like neoprene, faux leather, and even recycled materials into their designs. By using unique fabrics, designers can add a sense of individuality and personality to their garments, creating pieces that stand out from the typical mass-produced clothing options.

Along with the fashion trends mentioned above, accessories have also played a significant role in fashion recently. ZOS has been inspired by several accessory trends, including the bucket hat, sunglasses, tote bags, and layered jewelry. These accessories can add an extra element of style and personality to any outfit, and they can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of different looks.


Incorporating these trends into our designs, we intend to participate in current fashion trends while adding our unique flavor to each one. By valuing individuality, self-expression, and a commitment to quality, we aim to provide our customers with clothing that reflects their personal style and makes them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. 

I hope you all enjoy the brand as we are just now getting started.

Welcome to the Zone of Separation. 

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1 comment

ZOS is powerful. Thank you for bringing products and a narrative that reminds the universe of the strength of uniqueness when coupled with discipline, kindness, and innovation.

Stephanie O'Malley

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