We celebrated the good news of the return of Ukrainian Fashion Week with everything that it signifies and represents, not only for the industry but for the humans who make part of it and who now face this comeback with a different mentality that they did the last time they presented back in 2022; and also we presented you an exclusive look to the behind the scenes of the shows and the details of the collections. Now, it's time to look back at the collections and the concepts behind them. We picked our ten favourites where the underlying topic of resistance, bravery, and love for their country is there, and they blend with the sensibility and personal style of each brand. The work of designers is channelling their emotions and materialising them into garments, and by the results and the proposal of this season, it is evident how the feelings are intense and the need and desire to create is more eager than ever.
Gunia
With a philosophy that reads as “exceptional things produced on the basis of traditional Ukrainian culture,” it was to expect that a collection born under the current context was going to be an extraordinary honour to the country's traditions, and so it was. With the name Vilce—named after the viltsya, a ritual tree integral to the wedding ceremonies—the collection was deeply inspired by the motifs, silhouettes, and elements of the Ukrainian wedding traditions with a contemporary approach. With the thought of conveying the emotions and solemn energy that surround this act, the show resembled more a performance where the central piece was a table filled with the typical elements we could find in a real-life wedding scenario, and surrounding it were the models, who looked like the brides to be, of course, according to the Gunia aesthetic.
The collection is a white canvas in which the addition of colour is not missed. The richness of the fabrics, of the details, and of the silhouettes are more than enough to show the range the brand has. From flowy and delicate dresses to pieces directly inspired by tailoring, all of them are infused with embroidery, jewellery, and artisanal techniques that reflect and emphasise the immense value that the national traditions hold, now more than ever where claiming and treasuring their own heritage is a vital necessity.
The Coat
The Coat celebrates its 10th anniversary with the garden near the National Opera of Ukraine as location and the added reason of the return of fashion to Kiev streets as an added motif of celebration. As one can only do on birthdays, the collection is an ode to themselves, a reunion of all the codes that had made them reach this point of their career in a successful way. Starting in 2014 with a capsule of twelve colourful coats explaining the name of the brand, it has evolved to a point where all types of garments can be found, where the quality is present in all of them but where the outtergarments still prevail as timeless, no matter if classic or avant-garde. Well-made pieces that explore a variety of silhouettes, styles, materials, and designs are made to last on the wardrobe and pass the test of time, just how they are doing.
“This collection is the result of many years of work, because in addition to the design that is engraved from collection to collection, an important asset of the brand is the search for fabrics and manufacturers from around the world,” says Katya Silchenko, creative director and designer at The Coat, and it is evident when seeing the result on the runway, where the fabrics take the spotlight for how well utilised they are and how unique they look. More heavy ones paired with light transparencies are not only fashionable but functional; minimal silhouettes gain character when brought to life with rare fur-ish fabrics, and the depths of colour enhance the construction of the pieces. For ten fruitful years and many more to come.
TG Botanical
Sustainability is one of the core values of Ukrainian Fashion Week and of TG Botanical, one of the most international brands on the schedule and a name we are familiar with from their multiple appearances at Copenhagen Fashion Week and their nomination to the Zalando Sustainability Awards during the same event. Their well-known fusion of nature and technology was also present during their return to their home, and the inspiration this time was the changing landscapes understood in a general but also in a very specific way, as they say, “from the airy spaces of the continents to the intimate textures under our feet," which translates in textures and in techniques that are innovative but that also match with the natural philosophy of the brand.
The use of raw materials such as hemp, linen, cotton, and nettle is already characteristic, and the pureness of the fabrics reflects easily on their appearance. By only looking at the pictures, it's evident how the quality is outstanding, and paired with the craftiness that makes use of them and takes good advantage of them results in a very solid and all-rounded proposal that explains the loyal following of the brand. The solid waves in which the garments end are a good reflection of the airy spaces mentioned as the concept; they are literal but effective and executed successfully; we can only hope they make a return in future collections.
Kseniaschnaider
¡Time for denim! Or at least that’s what the No Fixed Norm collection from Kseniaschnaider is all about. For this collection, Ksenia and Anton Schnaider take a lighter, more humorous approach to luxury streetwear, reimagining denim in innovative ways.
This season, they’ve deconstructed denim’s iconic gold topstitching, using it to embroider playful denim-shaped ornaments on casual T-shirts and hoodies, while quilted denim jackets, skirts, and shorts push the boundaries of traditional street style. Kseniaschnaider also leans into optical illusions with white denim pieces printed with jean motifs, giving the appearance of jeans stuck to the wearer. Of course, the brand’s trademark reworked denim makes a strong return, with each new pair of jeans crafted from three carefully selected vintage pairs—making every item unique.
Guranda
Guranda invites us into a personal landscape of self-expression, unveiling a dream collection that embodies femininity with effortless grace. Inspired by the desire to showcase vibrant individuality, each piece strikes a delicate balance between structured denim and airy chiffon, blending strength and softness. Pastel ruffles, pearls, and gemstones shape the collection with romantic elegance, while key items like the denim corset with garter belt detailing and ruffled chiffon blouses add a touch of bold sophistication. Guranda's vision this season is a celebration of minimal sensuality wrapped in luxurious detail.
Andreas Moskin
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted the country's fashion industry, forcing designers to grapple with the complexities of creating in a time of crisis. Andreas Moskin's latest collection offers a poignant response, weaving together themes of nostalgia, resilience, and national identity. Inspired by the bohemian aesthetic of the 60s and 70s, the collection pays homage to war veterans and explores the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Staying true to its roots, the brand introduced a fresh take on the classic men’s suit, this time with a focus on blouses and shirts inspired by traditional folk aesthetics. Central to the designs are boho-style elements like tassels, fringe, raw edges, and lace, which add texture and movement. Strips of eco-leather further enhance the fluidity of the garments. The collection skilfully blends modern silhouettes with national ornaments, with minimalist embroidery creating subtle asymmetry in the shirts. Traditional accessories are also given a contemporary twist, as a boater hat with eco-leather accents and a distinctive shoulder bag sharpen the overall look, adding boldness to the collection.
Viktor Anisimov
By tracing the evolution of menswear from utilitarian garments to modern fashion statements, Viktor Anisimov offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of style and function for his latest collection. After designing the official uniform for the Ukrainian Paralympic team at the 2024 Paris Games, Anisimov’s path toward his upcoming sportswear line has redefined his role in Ukrainian fashion. His Spring/Summer 2025 collection features multi-layered looks that emphasise the versatility and adaptability of each piece.
Lightweight and intricately styled, the collection combines three to five garments per outfit, creating a fluid, interchangeable wardrobe that blends practicality with urban sophistication. This version clarifies the timeline and improves the flow between ideas. Anisimov’s focus on functionality doesn’t overshadow his commitment to sustainability, a practice he embraced in 2023 with the use of certified eco-friendly materials. Having debuted his first permanent collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS24, he continues to cement his global influence.
Bobkova
If there's a standout moment this season at Ukrainian Fashion Week, it’s undoubtedly Bobkova's collection, a poetic homage to the mavka. Drawing inspiration from Ukrainian folklore and the mystical allure of the Carpathian mountains, this collection embodies the essence of this mythical figure through delicate fabrics, intricate details, and flowing silhouettes. The collection features a dreamlike palette of milky shades, gentle blues, and turquoises, grounded by classic white and black. Textures range from flowing silk to "wet" lurex and intricate knitwear, capturing the mavka's ethereal nature.
Bobkova also emphasises sustainability, incorporating textile fragments and meticulous handcraft to reduce waste. Every piece in the collection reflects the mavka's spirit, from the enchanting mavka dresses to the ethnically inspired svytka dresses. Transformable garments like versatile dresses and adjustable jackets offer endless styling possibilities. Accessories such as long ribbons adorned with pearls and baroque pearl earrings add a touch of glamour and sophistication, rounding out this enchanting collection.
II
Under the creative direction of Mariia Pavlyk, her SS25 collection, titled Spero!, delves into the rich heritage of Trypillian-Cucuteni ornaments and traditional Hutsul lizhnykarstvo techniques. This collection seamlessly intertwines cultural concepts, political narratives, and Ukrainian symbolism, resulting in a deeply evocative and visually captivating line. Pavlyk's dedication to sustainability is evident through her use of eco-friendly materials and innovative cutting techniques designed to minimise textile waste. Handcrafted in the Carpathians from local wool, the pieces inspired by lizhnykarstvo reflect a profound connection to Ukrainian tradition. For the experimental designs, she utilises fabrics from certified eco-friendly producers and Italian deadstocks, with a colour palette inspired by nature’s own hues.
The collection embodies Pavlyk’s intention to weave the delicate threads of history into contemporary fashion, creating pieces that resonate with both personal and national significance while addressing the environmental impact of the industry.
Tonia
The renowned costume designer Antonina Belinska presented her spring/summer 2025 collection, marking a new chapter for her brand, Tonia. This collection highlights Belinska’s vision, built on a modular principle that allows each piece to be effortlessly combined in versatile ways. Describing this launch as a revival of her creative childhood dreams, Belinska emphasises that creating her own clothing has always been a longstanding aspiration.
The collection seamlessly blends ancient sewing techniques with modern fashion trends, focussing on female allure while ensuring both sensuality and comfort. Designed to help modern Ukrainian women express their femininity and reconnect with their sense of security and personal identity during challenging times, the collection includes standout pieces like a 19th-century-inspired knitted corset and high-quality Italian yarn garments. Hand knitting and embroidery feature prominently, reflecting Belinska’s childhood inspirations and Ukrainian craftsmanship, offering a contemporary yet nostalgic fashion statement.