BEVZA. Oleksandr Kushakov
As the world comes together in support of Ukraine, here’s what you can do to help.
During these tumultuous times, the unity and support for Ukraine shines through. With international fashion consultant Jen Sidary, the founder of online initiative Angelsforfashion creating a respected line-up of six Ukrainian designers for a showing at the Good Six Showroom next week and Anna October making their debut this Friday, September 30 for Paris Fashion Week, Vogue Philippines has made a round-up of celebrated Ukrainian brands that you should keep on your radar to stand in solidarity with—all the way from the Philippines.
Frolov
Worn by a star-studded line-up of celebrities like Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Demi Lovato, and Coco Rocha, Kyiv-based brand Frolov is a couture-to-wear brand that explores the boundaries of sexuality and provocation. With a focus on transsexual culture, BDSM ethics and esthetics, fetishism, and the LGBTQ+ movement, Frolov demonstrates the allure of freedom of expression through candy-colored corsetry, lace embellishments, heart imagery, and metal jewelry details.
On the label’s website, founder Ivan Frolov wrote, “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.”
Paskal
Subtle silhouettes and minimalist forms run rampant throughout Paskal’s enviable roster of feminine styles. With handcrafted heart appliqué gowns, floating cascades of pink chiffon, multi-hued patterns, and pastel fringes, Paskal’s precision tailoring and laser-cut techniques are apparent. Paying attention to the charm of forms, lines, and structure, founder Julie Pascal draws from her architectural background to create creations with delicate features and a substantial presence.
On their social media, Paskal wrote, “Here we have become who we are thanks to everything our country gave us—especially Ukraine’s rich culture, nature and the passionate people dedicated to their cause. Amidst the vast array of new challenges to face, we had a chance to keep working in our homeland. And it means a lot to us. Cause holding a one-of-a-kind item in your hands which was produced with such care and craftsmanship is the thing that gives the sense of purpose and makes your work precious.”
Bevza
Svitlana Bevza, founder of the brand Bevza, fled Ukraine by bus only nine days after Bevza’s Fall 2022 New York runway show. Leaving with her two children, Bevza traveled from Czech Republic to Portugal, where she currently resides. Her story resonates with over 10 million Ukrainians who have had to leave their homes during the invasion of Russia.
Known for her involvement in the sustainability movement, her collections comprise of eco-friendly puffers, slip dresses crafted from fish scale fabric, and knitwear made from recycled plastic bottles. By integrating traditional Ukrainian motifs and techniques into her minimalist designs, Bevza’s Ukrainian heritage is explored through modern reiterations and meaningful garments.
Litkovska
Through Litkovska, designer Lilia Litkovskaya hopes to preserve the craft of tailoring. Merging the traditional with the contemporary, Litkovskaya creates ethical and sustainable garments with ornate craftsmanship and bold forms. With fluid yet clean-cut designs, Litkovska’s minimalist pieces are versatile with decorative elements like secret pockets, adjustable volumes, and corset details.
According to her social media, her latest collection for Spring/Summer 2023 pays tribute to traditional Ukrainian spring greeting songs to ring in a new beginning and encourage a better future.
Bettter Upcycling System
Bettter Upcycling System transforms old gems and repurposes them into covetable garments. Hoping to cultivate a passionate community of like-minded individuals, Bettter Upcycling System demonstrates the value of authenticity and purpose through their sustainable garments. With sleeveless and cropped tops made from kids’ T-shirts, removable deconstructed tracksuit vests with detachable sleeves, and forward-thinking suits, Bettter Upcycling System brings a rebellious and youthful edge to eco-friendly attire.
