Vyshyvanka Day in London

On the 19th of May the Ukrainian community worldwide celebrates Vyshyvanka Day. Vyshyvanka, which is a traditional embroidered blouse and an integral part of the Ukrainian costume, lies at the very core of the cultural identity of the Ukrainian people.  Embroidery also stands as a symbol of survival and continuity through generations which are going through a period of a tremendous revival in Ukraine and among the diaspora.In the present times of political unrest and economic hardship, Ukrainian society is coming back to its roots.

Winner of Eurovision 2016 Ukrainian singer Jamala has appeared on stage wearing a long embroidered dress in the style of a traditional vyshyvanka costume. This gesture and Jamala winning the Eurovision song contest may seem like a small victory, but it was very symbolic for Ukrainian people. It brings a ray of hope to the nation that has suffered a lot throughout its history but has endured despite fears of prosecution under the Soviet system.

If you would like to celebrate together with Ukrainian people, but most importantly enjoy the array of incredible styles and technique that the embroidery has to offer from the aesthetic and fashion point of view, then you are welcome to join us this Sunday the 22nd of May for the march of Vyshyvankas in London. The march will start at the Whitehall, opposite Downing Street and will walk through to Westminster Bridge, Jubilee Gardens, Southbank, Thames path / Bankside and Potter Fields Park, where a picnic will be held at around 5pm. There will be live music, dancing, flash-mobs and other events in the programme. So come along with a song, an open heart and a smile on your face to celebrate a day of culture and a renewed sense of national identity.  Celebrate Ukraine's victory with us!

Ukrainian Vyshyvanka shaping fashion trends

Lets talk about fashion and about the role of the traditional Ukrainian garment in shaping a major fashion trend this summer - boho embroidered dress. You may already have it in your wardrobe, be it a boho style blouse, embroidered dress or other piece of garb embellished with ethnic embroidery, there is one element that all these favourite pieces have in common - origins from the national Ukrainian costume, in particular the traditional patterned blouse known as “vyshyvanka”.

This summer the boho embroidered garment has risen to a couture level. Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015 runway in Paris was very much influenced by a traditional Ukrainian costume - embroidery elements, red-black-white ornaments, Vyshyvanka style blouse, traditional leather vest “keptar” and plaited hairstyle were present throughout the collection.

American Vogue released an article in April about the rise of Ukrainian national costume in fashion. It states: “Ukrainian traditional costume has knowingly and unknowingly permeated fashion for years, and now the spotlight on the country’s aesthetic is in full swing once again. Only this time, it’s hailing from the motherland.” It also touches on the recent political events in Ukraine and draws the connection between the perception of Ukraine globally and evoked Ukrainian fashion: “It’s worth considering whether the rise of Ukrainian traditional costume in fashion is more than just au courant street-style bait… There is a school of thought that the recent use of Ukrainian dress isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a unifying statement.”

An influential figure worth mentioning, who played a key role in raising awareness about the Ukrainian dress in the fashion world, is Ukrainian designer Vita Kin. She has created her collection called “Vyshyvanka” and used Instagram to promote her label. Immediately her brand has attracted many celebrities and IT girls such as Anna Dello Russo, Asya Mkhitaryan, Leandra Medine and Mira Duma. Swimwear designer and stylist Lisa Marie Fernandez, who likes finding clothes off the beaten runway path, discovered the Vyshyvanka label and bought several designs in different colors. Ms Fernandez talks about Vita Kin frocks: “I’ve never in my life been stopped more than when I have these dresses on.”  Fashion magazine Harpers Bazaar thinks that new designer Vita Kin introduces the Perfect Bohemia.

Kin herself says about her collection: “Ukrainians have a unique method of decorating clothing with embroidery, and that’s always impressed me. I adapted this ancient heritage into a modern context, adding a seventies vibe, when clothing was more relaxed and friendly. It’s a bohemian eccentricity in a very luxe execution.”

Do you wish to get the Vyshyvanka look after being inspired by the above references, but cannot afford designer`s tags? You can still shop the look - some high street stores currently offer folk dresses and ethnic embroidery, but for more authentic and traditional choice visit the Ukrainian Gift Shop where you will also find a range of vyshyvankas, waistcoats and accessories:

http://augbsouvenirshop.wix.com/augb#!ukrainian-clothes-and-accessories-/c6ae