Highlights of Ukrainian Fashion Week
Now that the fashion week is over, it is time to look back at some of the most exciting, fresh and dynamic shows from the spring-summer 2019 fashion season. From Jean Gritsfeldt’s ever-flowing creativity to Marianna Senchina’s trademark polka dot pattern, this is your go-to destination for what trendy people will be sporting next year.
- Jean Gritsfeldt: Boarding at Platform 14
Key features: travel-inspired prints and patterns (post stamps, trains), plaid, metallics
Jean Gritsfeldt’s creativity seems to know no boundaries. The Ukrainian designer previously held his fashion shows at a supermarket, airport, boxing club, and an ice hockey rink, just to name a few. This season he went for Kyiv’s central train station. While Ukraine may be cutting train links with Russia soon, for the moment I’m quite content with boarding the train that takes me to this kind of show.


2. Jardin Exotique: Folk Vibes
Key features: Traditional Ukrainian clothing, wreaths
Situated outside the Mystetskyi Arsenal building (the main venue for the Ukrainian Fashion Week), the vast outdoor area seemed a perfect fit for the makeshift Ivana Kupala holiday celebrations. A large bonfire in the middle of a runway and models wearing folk clothing and (some of them) carrying live roosters perhaps could raise some health and safety concerns, but Jardin Exotique’s founder Lida Arfush pulled it all off just fine. Live music from Ukraine’s best-known folk band DakhaBrakha completed the rural extravaganza.

3. Marianna Senchina: Polka Dots Fill My Eyes
Key features: Polka dot, ruffles, beret hats
Marianna Senchina, albeit still a rising star, is quickly making waves in the fashion industry. Grabbing herself fans like Rihanna and Dua Lipa on the way, she remains true to her trademark polka dot and ruffles. Expect to see these new designs on some of the hottest celebs soon.

4. LAKE Studio: Off to the Races
Key features: Satin, natural vibe
I like a neat show, and that is what LAKE Studio, a Ukrainian designer duo, never fail to deliver. The juxtaposition of a Kyiv cycle track and regal fabrics made for quite an exquisite spring-summer 2019 show.

5. LL by Litkovskaya: Street-smart
Key features: lots of cool denim, color beige, silk scarves
Descending the steps outside a Kyiv business centre, these models brought all the street sass to the yard. The slogan for the collection was “Polny liubvi,” which translates as “full of love.” What a message to be spreading!


6. The Coat by Katya Silchenko: Working Women
Key features: pockets, belts, pastel colours
Designer Katya Silchenko says that in creating this collection, she was inspired by 1950–1960s when women helped restore the post-war world back to normal. “The same is happening today: women continue rebuilding this world every day,” she said.


