"LOVE TO UKRAINE,"
ITS CULTURE AND FASHION
AT VFW S/S 2025
"Love to Ukraine," its culture and fashion were on the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week on Oct. 23rd, 2025. The return of "Love To Ukraine" is, in a way, bittersweet. War first brought this display of fashion and culture to the VFW runway in 2022. The battle persists, and our communities' embrace of Ukraine continues. Fashion and culture are intertwined, and VFW is a platform where both are readily explored. VFW CEO Jamal Abdourahman advocates for diversity and culture in the fashion industry. Therefore, VFW and "Love To Ukraine" have formed a great partnership between creator, designer and stylist Tetyana Golota. Golota proves how fashion can build bonds and shine a light on issues.
The "Love to Ukraine" fashion show at Vancouver Fashion Week S/S 2025 was a powerful showcase of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride. Three standout designers brought their unique visions to the runway. This event celebrated Ukrainian heritage and served as a poignant reminder of the strength and spirit of those affected by ongoing challenges.
"LOVE TO UKRAINE",
ITS CULTURE AND FASHION
Yulia Sisman and Goya Concept
Yulia Sisman, with her brand Goya Concept, kicked off the show. Sisman's collection was a stunning fusion of contemporary aesthetics and traditional Ukrainian motifs. Each piece was meticulously crafted, featuring intricate embroidery that echoed Ukraine's rich cultural tapestry.
"The Goya concept was created not just as a place for shopping but as a place where everyone can find something traditional or interesting that is Ukrainian," says Sisman. Sisman's passion for Ukrainian clothes was highlighted by her flowing silhouettes. A brilliant turquoise maxi dress with white embroidery on the sleeves is a standout piece. Corseted waists, lace and red coral necklaces added detail to the collection. Sisman caught the essence of Ukrainian folklore while appealing to modern sensibilities.
"LOVE TO UKRAINE",
ITS CULTURE AND FASHION
Tanya Znak - Znak
Next was Tanya Znak, whose eponymous brand, Znak, offers insight into Ukraine's traditional costume. Znak is an artist whose training and skills were passed down from her mother and grandmother. She pursued decorative and applied arts degrees, specializing in embroidery, clothing design, and construction.
Znak's collection featured the vyshyvanka, a handmade blouse usually sewn of linen and embroidered with bright flowers and geometric patterns. The models wore ochipok, the traditional Ukrainian Crown of flowers. Girls and women have worn extravagant crowns of flowers for centuries to symbolize purity and fertility.
The palette was a mix of crimson red, black, and white. The intense, bold colours and clean silhouettes evoked a sense of empowerment. The limited colour palette of the collection emphasized the shape and details of the garments. Two skirts stood out for their detailed apron fronts with intricately cut-out flowers. The collection is a testament to how traditional and contemporary can work as one.
"LOVE TO UKRAINE",
ITS CULTURE AND FASHION
Tetyana Golota
Rounding out the show was designer and stylist Tetyana Golota, whose collection celebrated femininity and strength. Golota's designs incorporated elements of Ukrainian folk costumes with a contemporary twist, featuring rich fabrics and intricate detailing. Her use of layering and texture created depth in each outfit, inviting viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship. The looks were monochromatic in cream tones, white, and black and expertly executed in lace, satin, and chiffon, among other textiles.
A standout moment was the closing as a breathtaking ruched dress combining a classic silhouette floated down the runway. The model was crowned with a golden spray of wheat and carried an infant. Golota's style also elevated the overall presentation, pairing each look with carefully curated headdresses and hats. Her collection was a testament to the beauty of Ukrainian culture, woven seamlessly into the fabric of modern fashion.
IN CONCLUSION
"Love to Ukraine," its culture and fashion has become an important element of VFW. Fashion is many things to people. Fashion activism is about being part of a collective for change. You are only one individual - but you can be part of a community and a broader movement. Fashion events can promote positive change, illuminate issues, and educate people. Thank you to the creatives who shared their work to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine and Ukrainian culture.
TETYANA GOLOTA AND I, AT VFW.
CIAO FOR NOW, J. ANDREW JACKSON