IN CONVERSATION WITH DEMETRA DIAS

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography ZACHARY KING

Influential Gen-Z fashion and lifestyle creator Demetra Dias is making waves with her exclusive 57-piece capsule collection for Aeropostale, which launched on 17th July online and on 23rd July in stores - the brand’s first capsule collaboration in years. With over 2.8 million followers and a staggering 450 million likes across TikTok and Instagram, Demetra has sparked what fans and media alike call the “Demetra Effect”: a viral movement driving teens to emulate her relatable, affordable style and sell out her GRWM hauls. Known for her down-to-earth charm and real-world fashion sense, Demetra continues to redefine what influence looks like—all before even starting college this fall.

Congrats on your 57-piece capsule with Aeropostale. What was the inspiration behind the collection?

I was inspired by the feeling of being cozy in my room. Since moving away to college was on my mind during the creation process of the collection, I wanted to find a way to bring the comfort of my room with me. I spend a lot of time in my room. It's where my TikTok account started and where a good amount of my content is filmed. It's my safe place and full of blue, pink, lace and florals, just like my collection with Aeropostale. I wanted everyone to feel that cute and confident feeling with my collection. 

This is Aeropostale’s first capsule in years. How did it feel to be chosen to lead such a major moment for the brand?

It was so cool. I wasn’t in the social media world when Aeropostale did their last collection with an influencer, but being able to bring that back was so fun. I know so many older people can remember when Aeropostale was THE store. It’s been so cool to bring that memory back.

Can you share a few of your favorite pieces from the drop, and what makes them so “Demetra”?

One of my favorite sets from the collection is the blue floral sweat set. I love a good sweat set because it takes the stress away of having to make a decision about what top and bottom to match together. Plus it’s so comfy. I also really love the low rise star jeans. I feel like they elevate any outfit and give it a little more personality. And the low rise baggy fit is perfect. It’s so flattering. 

How involved were you in the design process, from concept to final product?

We started working together in November of 2024, and the 1st drop launched late July of 2025, so it’s definitely been long in the works. We had meetings where I was able to bring ideas to the table, as well as give my feedback into pieces they already designed for my collection. Once we got samples back from production, I was heavily involved in curating the perfect concept that felt true to me and my aesthetic. I wanted it to feel comfy, cute and inspire confidence. I love my room and the safe place it gives me, so I wanted to bring that feeling onto the Aeropostale set. We worked together to create my dream bedroom. Filled with stuffed animals, florals, and anything blue or pink. It felt like a dream. 

What does it mean to you to have your own line available both online and in stores across the country?

It doesn’t feel real honestly. It was such a cool process creating the collection, from the design process to marketing it. I'm so happy I was able to learn more about the backend of the product production with a brand that I've been shopping at since I was little. Seeing the support and love for the collection all around the world has been so heart filling. It really makes me realize the impact I’m able to have on a community. 

Your fans coined the term “The Demetra Effect”. What does that phrase mean to you personally?

When I first saw a TikTok mentioning the “Demetra Effect” I was in shock. I knew I was gaining popularity, but seeing the actual impact I had on people was a feeling I was not ready for. As my community grew, I realized that the “Demetra Effect” was more than just wearing the same clothes or shoes that I always wear. It’s about having a positive outlook on life and being confident in everything you do. You could be wearing anything, doesn’t have to be inspired by me, but wear it with confidence and I feel like that is the “Demetra Effect”. 

How do you balance staying true to your style and being relatable while still pushing new trends?

As I mature and develop my own personal style, I like to mix different trends I see. It’s so fun to mix things up and put my own spin onto new styles. I don’t usually think of it as having to follow any trends because I am me. Some people ask what I would consider my style, and I feel like it's a mix of everything. Some days I learn into a more feminine girly look and other days I want to wear all black. It doesn’t have to be one set aesthetic, but rather a mix of everything. And I feel like that is what makes it special. That’s what makes my style me. I want my followers to take inspiration from me, but take it and mix it into their own style. I do still follow trends and one of my favourites recently have been polka dots and cherries. Kind of that vintage inspired vibe.

What do you feel is your biggest responsibility as someone influencing Gen-Z shopping habits?

With having a big social media presence, a lot of people say I am like a big sister to them. Most of my followers are in the middle school to high school age range, with a majority of them being younger than me. And from experience, I know how hard it can be to be a teenager around that age. Between friend drama and puberty, I honestly think that is the hardest time of life, or at least it was for me. I remember when I was around that age, I was constantly comparing myself to everyone around me. It feels silly looking back, but that really was one of the hardest times I went through. Now that I have for the most part pushed past that, I want to show young girls how to embrace who they truly are and be confident in that. I want them to know they are not alone and be the friend I wish I had at their age. I preach that it's cool to be a positive and nice person. It’s all about how you look at life, the glass could be half full or half empty. But you’ll enjoy it much more if you look for the little things that make you see the glass as half full. 

You’re heading to college soon. How are you feeling about the transition?

Although it is hard to admit, I was definitely scared to go to college. I love my simple routine of life, but I am also very excited to make a new routine, see new places, and meet new people. There’s so many uncomfortable feelings that come with change, but I've been focusing on embracing what’s uncomfortable to be able to learn and grow. It’s hard, but I can do hard things and I know this next chapter of life will come with so many new opportunities. 

You’ve built an entire brand and business before even stepping foot on a college campus. What’s been the biggest lesson so far?

My biggest lesson has been learning how to balance work and life. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given, but it is also so important to prioritize my own personal life. It is so good to be disciplined and motivated, but it is easy to forget if you are working to live or living to work. When you are working in a field where your life is your work, it can be hard to differentiate between the two. Since a lot of my content is lifestyle focused, I am able to turn almost everything I do into content, helping to continue to grow my brand. But that can quickly become overwhelming and it can become harder to stay genuine and authentic to yourself. Working on my balance has been my biggest priority in this new chapter of life. Balance is key when it comes to anything. 

Besides going to college, what do you have coming up next? Any projects on the horizon that you are excited to explore?

Many exciting things are in the works. I can’t wait for you guys to see everything.