London: Ukrainian designer Oksana Holskaya captivates audiences with her handmade glove collection, inspired by vintage postcards from her childhood. Her intricate designs blend nostalgia with festive themes, highlighting the enduring charm of artisanal craftsmanship in a world dominated by artificial intelligence.
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, the dedication to handmade craftsmanship continues to gain traction, with designers like Oksana Holskaya embodying this trend through her artistic creations. Holskaya, a prominent Ukrainian designer, has gained international recognition, with her works receiving admiration from audiences in countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, France, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden. Her latest collection titled “Vintage Postcards,” which features intricately designed gloves, draws inspiration from a cherished part of her childhood – her grandmother’s collection of vintage postcards.
Speaking to “FACTS,” Holskaya expressed the enchanting influence that these postcards had on her artistic vision: “My grandmother had a chest that held postcards and photos. As a child, I loved looking through them. They contain a special unique world with some enchanting magic and fairy tale quality.” This nostalgic connection informs her design aesthetic, particularly in the representation of winter festivities and the warmth they invoke.
The white gloves from her collection, named “Generous Evening,” illustrate a charming scene depicting carolers approaching one another, with details reminiscent of a festive childhood. Holskaya described how the white colour evokes the imagery of snow, further enhanced by the colourful details that embody the holiday spirit. She explained, “A girl carries the holiday into the village. Outside, there’s a snowstorm and everything is covered in snow… But inside homes, it’s warm, the fire crackles in the stoves, all the windows glow, and people prepare delicious dishes.”
Among Holskaya’s most notable creations is the pair titled “When Your Angel Is Near,” which she recalls pouring her emotions into during the design process. “I wanted to convey the fragility and tenderness of the angel’s image. That’s why I used soft shades of ivory, sky blue, and silver,” she stated, highlighting the use of embellishments such as natural pearls and intricately applied embroidery.
Artistry in detail is fundamental to Holskaya’s work, a process she describes as both meticulous and rewarding. She explained that the creation of the gloves requires intense concentration and that the final touches are particularly significant, referring to this stage as “the cherry on top.” Regarding time commitment, she noted, “I decorate the gloves over the course of a week. It all depends on the complexity of the pattern.”
Holskaya has received varying feedback on her designs through social media, with one admirer commenting that her gloves might be too exquisite to wear, suggesting instead to display them as art pieces. She finds such perceptions heartwarming but emphasizes the joy of wearing her creations, stating, “These items create a special mood. You wear them and feel like a queen.”
The gloves are designed to complement minimalistic attire, pairing well with a range of colours due to their decorative features. “These accessories look best with minimalist jackets, coats, sheepskin coats, and fur coats, as they themselves are accents,” she advised.
Proper care for her creations is also a point of emphasis, as Holskaya recommends delicate washing and careful handling to ensure longevity. Regarding future ventures, she hinted at a potential shift towards clothing and accessories customisation, yet maintained that the direction is still uncertain.
Throughout the conversation, Holskaya paid homage to the importance of support from her family and friends throughout her artistic journey. She offered guidance for aspiring artisans, emphasising the necessity of patience, persistence, and a genuine love for one’s craft, encapsulated in her creative motto: “I create all things as if for myself. I pour my soul into every work. If you don’t do this, art becomes a craft.”
In a previous feature by “FACTS,” Kateryna Boyko, another artisan noted for her doll animals, echoed similar sentiments about the satisfaction derived from handmade creations. As the appreciation for handcrafted art continues to flourish, designers like Oksana Holskaya remain at the forefront, captivating audiences with their unique narratives and exquisite craftsmanship.
Source: Noah Wire Services
