Amid the echoes of air raid sirens and the shadow of an ongoing war, Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW) has returned to Kyiv, marking its first event since the Russian full-scale invasion. From September 1st to 4th, the city, which has endured so much, will become a hub of creativity and innovation as the 55th season of UFW unfolds. This year’s event, however, is not just about fashion; it is a declaration of resilience, cultural pride, and an unbreakable spirit.
Over 50 Ukrainian brands are participating in this season’s shows, each bringing a unique voice to the conversation about Ukraine’s future. Among the standout designers is Ruslan Baginskiy, whose eponymous brand has become synonymous with modern headwear. Baginskiy, whose hats have adorned the likes of Madonna and Bella Hadid, has used his platform to champion Ukrainian craftsmanship and heritage. For this season, his collection is expected to merge traditional Ukrainian motifs with contemporary design, offering a powerful statement about the enduring strength of Ukrainian identity.
For this season, Baginskiy has unveiled a curated space "Artisanal Journey" an installation that aims to explore the harmonious connection between tradition and modernity in Ukrainian culture. Each element of the space is a synthesis of centuries-old techniques and contemporary design concepts. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the creation process, witnessing a mastery of craftsmanship that reflects a cultural heritage passed down through generations.
Ruslan Baginskiy, Creative Director of Ruslan Baginskiy
"I hope that every guest of the space discovers something new, finds inspiration for their own creative journeys; experiences tradition as a source of inspiration," comments designer Ruslan Baginskiy.
The official opening of RB "Artisanal Journey" took place on September 4th, 2024, during Ukrainian Fashion Week. The space will be open to the public from September 5th to 15th, 2024, at The Naked Room Gallery in Kyiv.
Photography by Vlad Tomik
Lilia Litkovska, the creative force behind the brand LITKOVSKA, has long been known for her minimalist aesthetic and a commitment to sustainable practices. Her work often explores themes of identity, heritage, and the intersection of tradition and modernity. This season, Litkovska’s collection draws inspiration from the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Beginning in Kyiv and continuing in Paris the season, the collection embodies the culmination of the brand's nearly twenty-year journey, rethinking traditional correspondence in a new light. A significant part of the brand's DNA, the Kyiv-Paris dichotomy, is also central to this season's narrative.
Lilia Litkovska, Creative Director of LITKOVSKA. Photography by Andrew Grey
“Kyiv has always been and always will be our home, and we wanted to create this feeling of returning home and harvesting wishes, from the world – to Ukrainians, and from Ukrainians – back to the world. For us, this is a very special moment, to return to our native Kyiv with a physical event for the first time in many years, to gather in the space in which our first flagship store will soon open, and we wanted to focus not on the clothes themselves, but on the dialogue between people and the importance of connection to home and roots.” -Lilia Litkovska concluded.
Photography by Maksym Lisovyi
Another highlight is Ivan Frolov, the designer behind FROLOV, a couture-to-wear brand known for its bold, provocative designs that challenge conventional norms. Frolov founded the brand nine years ago in the heart of Kyiv, where it has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion, and this season his work is imbued with a new level of emotional depth. Drawing from the emotional experiences of the last few years, Frolov’s collection is expected to be both a celebration of life and a poignant reflection on the cost of freedom.
Backstage, FROLOV SS25 Show. Photography by Vlad Tomik
Through their clothes, FROLOV explores and communicates uplifting messages about culture, the LGBTQIA+ movement, BDSM ethics, and fetishism. FROLOV is for people who love to express themselves in their own unique way, who love to experiment, who empower their sexuality and treat their looks not just as a piece of clothes, but as a powerful statement.
Ivan Frolov, Creative Director of FROLOV
“Sometimes people pronounce FROLOV as for love – and there is no mistake. Cause the first thing we create as a brand is a love, and everything we do is with love. That's why the anatomical heart is our logo, and we put it out on each of our pieces”
– Ivan Frolov describes.
FROLOV SS25 Show. Photography by Volodymyr Bosak & Vlad Tomik
The return to Kyiv is as much a political statement as it is a fashion event. Ukrainian Fashion Week has joined forces with international fashion weeks in London, Copenhagen and Berlin under the "Support Ukrainian Fashion" initiative, a collaboration that highlights the global fashion industry’s solidarity with Ukraine. The initiative has been instrumental in keeping Ukrainian designers on the global stage, even as their homeland has faced unimaginable challenges.
“Despite missile attacks, air raid sirens, and daily challenges, our commitment remains to supporting our designers with their creativity and business growth,” said Iryna Danylevska, the founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.
“Our resilience is a testament to the strength and unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian designers. We highly appreciate the solidarity of the global fashion industry that has supported us in these challenging times. The voice of Ukraine has to be heard,” Danylevska continued.
This season’s shows are set against the backdrop of the historic Mystetskyi Arsenal, a location that carries deep cultural significance for Ukrainians. The venue will feature an installation of designers’ creations that serve as a reflection of the war, accompanied by portraits of fashion industry workers who have joined the Armed Forces. These displays are not just artistic expressions; they are poignant reminders of the personal and collective sacrifices made by so many in the fashion community.
Opening Manifest. Photography by Ihor Haidai
One of the most anticipated moments of the week is the Opening Manifest, a powerful demonstration of unity and resilience. Over 50 of the most influential figures in the Ukrainian fashion industry, world-renowned designers, emerging talents from the NEW NAMES platform, and leading fashion editors gathered on the iconic stairs of the Ukrainian House at European Square. Together, they made a collective appeal to the international community, reinforcing their devotion to the ideals of freedom and their unwavering faith in the future of their country.
Among the Ukrainian talents (it is established brand, founded in 2008) is Nadya Dzyak, whose eponymous label has become known for its feminine silhouettes and intricate detailing. In the last collection Dzyak draws inspiration from the Southern Ukraine. The primary inspiration for the SS25 collection is the Pink Lakes and the breathtaking views of the Kinburn Spit that are currently occupied. For more than 14 years, the brand has been working with pleated fabric, produced at a factory in Kharkiv. The production process has continued unabated despite the constant shelling of the city.
Nadya Dzyak SS25 Show. Photography by Andriy Sokolov
Ksenia Schnaider, the designer behind the eponymous brand KSENIASCHNAIDER, has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to denim. This season, Schnaider’s collection is expected to be a bold commentary on sustainability and the power of reinvention both in fashion and in life. Her designs, which often feature up-cycled materials, are a testament to the idea that beauty can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
KSENIASCHNAIDER SS25 Show. Photography by Maksym Lisovyi
As Ukrainian Fashion Week returns to Kyiv, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose. This is not just a fashion event; it is a powerful assertion of Ukraine’s cultural identity and a statement of defiance against the forces that seek to undermine it. The collections presented this season are imbued with a sense of urgency and poignancy, reflecting the reality of life in a country at war.
For the designers, this moment is about more than showcasing their works it is about using their platforms to tell the world that Ukraine is still here, still creating, and still fighting for its place on the global stage. As the final models step off the runway and the lights dim on this season’s shows, the message will be clear: Ukrainian fashion is not just surviving, it is thriving.
Backstage, FROLOV SS25 Show. Photography by Vlad Tomik
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