Kyiv: The recent Ukrainian Fashion Week showcased innovative designs while highlighting social responsibility, featuring collections that cater to individuals with disabilities and celebrate cultural heritage. Designers like Ivan Frolov and Juliya Kros led the event’s focus on creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The recent Ukrainian Fashion Week held in Kyiv from February 14 to 17 showcased a medley of creativity, cultural homage, and social responsibility from a range of prominent Ukrainian designers. This edition of the fashion week aimed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, including veterans of the ongoing conflict with Russia, while also celebrating innovative fashion trends.
The event commenced with a high-energy performance by designer Ivan Frolov, who unveiled his collection titled “Dirty as an Angel” at TSUM. The show featured a rock concert atmosphere with performances from prominent artists, including rock diva Yuliya Lord and singer Irena Karpa. Frolov’s collection drew inspiration from the memories of the 1990s and 2000s, reflecting the vibrancy of Ukrainian subcultures from those eras. Frolov remarked, “Crimean Games. ‘Your format’ on M1. Territory A. Soy Los’s column in the Moloko magazine. Memories of childhood. The 2000s, the 1990s. Ukrainian punk rock. Freedom in all its possible manifestations, experienced at that time,” as he described the core inspiration behind his designs.
The mid-priced women’s clothing brand SHYPELYK also made its debut during the fashion week, presenting a nostalgic collection named “In Your Dreams”. The display channelled childhood memories, incorporating retro décor elements like an old television set and porcelain plates adorned with the brand’s historical photographs.
On the second day, the TONiA brand paid tribute to ancient Slavic heritage by reinterpreting cultural artifacts from the Ant tribes, known to have existed in modern-day Ukraine, into modern cocktail dresses and classic suits. The founder of the brand, Antonina Belinska, captured this essence in her showcase.
Juliya Kros introduced an inclusive collection entitled “You Are Like Infinity,” designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, including adaptive clothing for those needing prosthetics. The runway featured public figures and para-athletes, such as Yekaterina Matlaeva and Maria Nikitina, modelling the functional designs tailored for ease and accessibility.
Another highlight was the collection from VIKTORANISIMOV, which shifted towards sportswear design following the creation of outfits for the Ukrainian team at the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games. The new collection embraced retro sports aesthetics with bold designs and transformer elements.
Andreas Moskin presented a sophisticated range inspired by the Executed Renaissance, modernising the classic men’s suit with asymmetry and unconventional shapes. His garments were adapted to feature discreet fasteners, ensuring practical wear for men using limb prosthetics.
The Lviv-based brand C.ICON modernised the perception of outerwear with innovative quilted suits and coats, while PLN-GNS focused on sustainability in their collection IDENTITY, utilizing old sneakers to craft new clothing items. This collection combined experimental design with upcycling principles, marking a significant trend in textile fashion.
The luxurious brand L’SHIYAN showcased delicate silhouettes with silk embroidery and elegant leather accessories, creating a spring-inspired atmosphere. In a notable display of social consciousness, the brand Nyni introduced a suede, wood, and palm fiber keychain pendant named “Grasshopper,” with profits going towards rehabilitating Ukrainian defenders, reflecting the brand’s commitment to slow fashion and environmental conservation.
Overall, Ukrainian Fashion Week 2025 not only highlighted the creativity and innovation of local designers but also underscored their commitment to social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
