The joint presentation of Ukrainian fashion brands on August 6 at Ukraine House in Denmark marked the fifth season of collaboration between Ukrainian Fashion Week and Copenhagen 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 and the unwavering support of Copenhagen Fashion Week for Ukrainian designers. As we enter the SS25 season, we are proud to continue this partnership.
Despite missile attacks, air raid sirens and daily challenges, our commitment remains to supporting Ukrainian designers with their creativity and business growth. We aim to showcase the creative power and courage of the Ukrainian fashion scene to the world. The voice of Ukraine has to be heard,” says Iryna Danylevska, Founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.
Ukrainian fashion brands J’AMEMME, KATERINA KVIT, OMELIA, PLNGNS and SIDLETSKIY, united by a desire to preserve creativity, cultural heritage and craftsmanship while aligning towards sustainability in the fashion industry, introduced their SS25 collections. The theme of the presentation became Askania-Nova, one of the oldest biosphere reserves on the planet and the largest protected steppe area in Europe, which is currently suffering daily from the consequences of the Russian occupation. Flora and fauna of Askania-Nova became motifs for Ukrainian traditional vytynanka – an art form of paper cutting that decorated the venue. The shadows shifting and changing with the movement of the sun, created a living artwork that evolved throughout the presentation.
Perwoll is the official sponsor of the Ukrainian Fashion Week SS25 presentation in Copenhagen.
J’amemme, Katerina Kvit, Omelia, Plngns and Sidletskiy
Photos: Veronika Monakova
Translucent and sheer materials, embodied in J’AMEMME’s iconic pleats, are taking centre stage in the brand’s SS25 collection. With the mysterious jellyfish as the inspiration for this season’s collection, infusing it with their ethereal shapes, delicate ruffles, and beauty on the edge of danger.
This season, the brand draws a parallel between the transparency of the fabric, architectural forms, and the ethereal nature of marine creatures. As a result, the brand presented an evolution of its signature pleats through more sculptural, occasion-ready silhouettes, asymmetrical dresses, and sheer textures.
This season, designer Katerina Kvit comes up with the idea of classical elements, typically referring to earth, water, air, fire and aether to explain the nature and complexity of all matter. She uses different materials, such as genuine leather, or yarn or recycled fibres, and transforms them into something completely new. In the KATERINA KVIT universe, materials flow like elements into other substances. While working on the forms the designer also kept in mind the works of contemporary Japanese artists and their installations that express classical elements through art. For example, the works of Yasuaki Onishi, who is interested in the invisible – time, air, gravity, and space – inspired Katerina Kvit to create floating and fantastic forms of knitted items and fringes that reminds of waterfalls.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability is expressed in the new wickerwork garments made from recycled materials. Visually resemble suede or even paper, but in fact – natural eco fabric. Recycled pieces will be a great choice for summertime.
In the new collection “Frost Flowers”, Kostyantyn Omelya continues to work with floral motifs, drawing inspiration from the works of Ukrainian poetess Lesya Ukrainka. The designer transforms vintage and stock shirts, as well as works with surplus fabrics to create new wardrobe items, giving shirts a second life.
The collection’s name reflects the designer’s inner state: striving to create beauty amidst the conditions of the Russian war in Ukraine. The new collection features Richeleau embroidery, as well as hand embroidery with beads and crystals.
Designer Mitya Hontarenko demonstrates in an impressive way how sustainability and craftsmanship meet contemporary fashion. Over 500 pairs of shoes were upcycled for the 22 elaborately constructed streetwear looks. The “Sneaker Riot” collection clearly focuses on the popular PLNGNS shoes and complementary streetwear.
Mitya Hontarenko is particularly proud of his team, who have developed the process of deconstruction even more detailed and innovative. Similar to collage work, the original product is examined in detail and broken down into numerous individual parts using complex manual work. New designs are developed together that impress with their complex cut construction and architecture and reflect the zeitgeist.
The new collection is inspired by a combination of modern trends and centuries-old cultural heritage. Designer Ihor Sidletsky draws inspiration from traditional crafts, handmade and natural materials to create unique garments. A special emphasis is placed on the harmony of opposites: strict architectural forms and light, semi-weight fabrics.
The brand is often inspired by the past and strives to preserve culture and traditions. Outfits are complemented by jewelry made of blown glass, traditional Ukrainian accessories, reflected through the brand’s vision. Each piece in the collection demonstrates handmade craftsmanship and traditional crafts, including weaving and hand knitting. SIDLETSKIY’s unique signature is a balance between modernity and heritage.
*The “Support Ukrainian Fashion” Initiative, launched by the Ukrainian Fashion Week team in March 2022, symbolises solidarity and support for Ukrainian designers during the challenging times of the full-scale Russian invasion.
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With love,
FWO
