The Made-in-Ukraine Movement Is a Fashion Revolution Inline
Photo: Courtesy of @daily_sleeper1/9Sleeper
Instagram: @daily_sleeper
A pajama label started by two former magazine editors, Asya Varetsa and Kate Zubarieva, Sleeper has transformed the idea of exhausted bedtime duds into upbeat, chic separates that you could wear to the office or even to a black-tie event. There are a bevy of silk and cotton pajama shirts in gingham prints and fire-engine red, plenty of slinky slip dresses, and pretty robes that could even be worn as a light jacket or a frock. International retailers have their eyes on the label, too, with Moda Operandi recently scooping them up. In other words? Sleeper is not a brand to snooze on anytime soon.
Photo: Courtesy of @vyshyvanka_by_vitakin2/9Vyshyvanka by Vita Kin
Instagram: @vyshyvanka_by_vitakin
It’s impossible to write about Ukrainian fashion without including the vyshyvanka, the flouncy, hand-embroidered frock that hails from the region and was ubiquitous last fashion month and put its designer, Vita Kin, on the map. Street style stars like Anna Dello Russo and Leandra Medine clamored to wear Kin’s dresses, which is good news for the designer, who has plenty of other bohemian versions of Ukrainian traditional pieces, like colorful zhupan jackets and casual blouses, hidden up her blousy, embroidered sleeve.
Photo: Courtesy of @zhilyova_lingerie3/9Zhilyova Lingerie
Instagram: @zhilyova_lingerie
Lingerie fanatics: A trip to Kiev might be in order. Underpinnings label Zhilyova riffs on classic lingerie styles with just a soupçon of kink or fashion-forward lace trimmings. Looking to spice it up this February 14? A Zhilyova lace crop top easily does double duty as a racy top.
Photo: Courtesy of @ali_saulidi4/9Ali Saulidi
Instagram: @ali_saulidi
Skip the stiletto and opt for some postmodern inches, courtesy of footwear designer Ali Saulidi. Beloved throughout Ukraine for his designs, Saulidi gives sneakers and boots a dose of cool thanks to square-cut platforms. They’re enough to make a sneakerhead scratch their chin and reach for their wallet.
Photo: Courtesy of @kachorovska_atelier5/9Kachorovska Atelier
Instagram: @konstantinkofta
If you’re in the market for a classic and pared-back shoe, try a handmade footwear design from Kachorovska Atelier. The label offers everything from sleek tricolor brogues to double monk strap shoes and patent leather loafers. A favorite? The espadrilles—embroidered with some motherland pride.
Photo: Courtesy of @konstantinkofta6/9Konstantin Kofta
Instagram: @konstantinkofta
Ready for a surreal backpack? Designer Konstantin Kofta knows how to transform the classic school kid accessory into a surrealist piece of art. He morphs knapsacks into sculptural creations, like Grecian volutes, smooth pyramid shapes, human spines, and even lifelike faces. It’s an outré accessory that is made to turn heads.
Photo: Courtesy of @bobbasset7/9Bob Basset
Instagram: @bobbasset
If you want to up the ante in your handbag collectsion with something that’s a little, well, out there, look to the label Bob Basset. Basset puts the dark side into bags, courtesy of a touch of BDSM and plenty of steampunk references. Let’s just say, the next conversation starter begins on your arm.
Photo: Courtesy of @denismusicmnk8/9Denis Music
Instagram: @denismusicmnk
Forget the idea of the smooth and precise diamond—jewelry designer Denis Music is responsible for a gem-based revolution within Ukraine. Gold wedding bands take on wavy shapes with metamorphic textures, while milk-white silver engagement rings feature black rough-cut diamonds. And after all, who ever said luxury had to be so clean cut?
Photo: Courtesy of @i_love_xu9/9X'U
Instagram: @i_love_xu
Walk down any street in Kiev and you will come across someone wearing Ukraine’s national coat of arms: the trident, or tryzub. Where to score the patriotic look? X'U by Ksenia Schnaider has been producing sweatshirts, tees, and jackets with the symbol for several years. Plus, if you’re looking for something more pared back, there is always a tee with a Ukrainian traditional print on the pocket square—the perfect way to wear your heart on your sleeve.
