About Zhivago

Zhivago was founded in 2012 in Perth, Western Australia, by two friends, Lara Kovacevich and Lydia Tsvetnenko, and launched that year at Perth Fashion Festival. Kovacevich leads the label today. The name comes from the Russian word for “daring,” which the house has treated as a design brief rather than a tagline.

From a small Western Australian studio, Zhivago has grown into a label stocked in roughly a hundred boutiques worldwide, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Its eveningwear has been worn by a long list of high-profile performers, and the brand built its business around cruelty-free production from the beginning.

What Makes a Zhivago Dress Recognizable

The shoulder. This is the signature. Zhivago draws on the power dressing of the 1980s and the costuming of 1970s glam rock to build structure directly into the shoulder line. The effect is architectural, and it changes the proportion of the whole dress.

Sculpted paneling. Shape comes from construction rather than decoration. Seams are placed to sculpt, which is why the pieces read as tailored even in stretch fabrics.

Stretch with structure. Most of the collection is built on polyester and elastane blends, typically 94 to 95 percent polyester with 5 to 6 percent elastane. The fabric holds a shape but moves with you, which matters over a long evening.

Controlled drama. Crystal one-shoulder necklines, satin paneling, embroidered sequins, thigh splits, exposed back zippers. Zhivago uses these deliberately and rarely all at once.

Choosing a Zhivago Style for Your Occasion

For black tie and galas, the floor-length gowns are the natural choice. The Lutris Gown in Black pairs a crystal-embellished one-shoulder neckline with satin paneling and a body-con line. The Stolen Dreams 2pc Gown offers more coverage through a mock neckline and cap sleeves while keeping the drama in the flared skirt.

For formal weddings and evening receptions, the Florentine Sunset Dress in Gold gives you shine without fuss through embroidered sequins on a clean halterneck column, with a back split that keeps it easy to move in.

For cocktail attire and formal dinners, the midi styles carry the same structure at a more wearable length. The Imprint Midi Dress uses a high neckline and sculpted paneling for a commanding line. The Lutris Midi Dress in Grey offers the same architecture in a softer tone.

For fashion-forward events, the shorter pieces are where the label has the most fun. The Violets and Music Mini Dress layers embroidered lace over a wrap-style skirt with structured shoulder accents.

For cooler weather, the Reine de Reinettes Velvet Gown in Citrine and the Heiress two-piece in Khaki, which includes a detachable faux fur shawl, both handle a fall or winter evening without a coat compromise.

Zhivago Sizing and Fit

Zhivago runs true to size in most styles. We list the collection in US sizing, so there is no conversion to work out at checkout.

A few notes from the fitting room. The bodice is cut close by design, since the paneling is engineered to sculpt through the ribcage and waist. That snug fit is intentional rather than a sizing error. The shoulder structure is built into the garment and does not alter well, so if a dress feels wrong across the shoulders, a different silhouette will serve you better than a different size. Floor-length styles are cut for a heel, so if you are under about 5’5″ and plan to wear something lower, budget for a hem.

Full details are in our Zhivago brand and fit guide, and our complete size chart is here.

Care

Most Zhivago pieces are dry clean only, and embellished styles are best handled by a cleaner experienced with crystals and sequins. Store gowns hanging on a padded hanger with the shoulder supported, since a wire hanger will distort the one part of the garment you cannot restore. Zip fully before storing, and keep sequin and crystal pieces in a garment bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Zhivago? Zhivago was founded in 2012 by Lara Kovacevich and Lydia Tsvetnenko in Perth, Western Australia. Lara Kovacevich leads the label today.

What does the name Zhivago mean? The label says the name is derived from the Russian word for “daring.”

Where is Zhivago made? Zhivago is an Australian label founded and headquartered in Perth, Western Australia.

Is Zhivago true to size? Generally yes. The bodice is cut close by design, so expect a sculpted fit through the ribcage and waist. Size up only if you prefer a relaxed middle, and plan on taking in the waist if you do.

How much do Zhivago dresses cost? At Cocosorisi, most Zhivago pieces fall between $550 and $850, with gowns at the upper end.

Can Zhivago dresses be altered? Hems, waists, and side seams alter well. The built-in shoulder structure does not, so choose a style whose shoulder already sits correctly on you.

Do you have Zhivago in store? Yes. We carry Zhivago year-round at our Manhasset boutique at 1663 Northern Boulevard, and we are happy to pull several sizes and silhouettes for you to compare. Book a styling appointment or call 516-304-5585.

Do you ship Zhivago dresses? Yes, nationwide and internationally, with domestic returns.