Headdresses of Ukraine Make an Appearance in Fashion

 

Woman in Ukrainian vinok (Photography)

Daria Klemick, a third generation Ukrainian American, has grown up celebrating her cultural heritage and traditions. Ukraine has a long and often complicated history, dating back to before Christianity. Many traditions in Ukraine help to identify the culture and are unique to regions within Ukraine. Among these are their holiday celebrations, their food, their dance, and their costumes worn for parades and performances. The use of bright colors and floral patterns in dresses and headpieces help to catch the eye of the spectators at festivals and dance performances; however, they recently seem to have caught the eye of the fashion world, as well. The presence of Ukrainian headdresses in fashion has markedly increased in recent years. The decorative and unique style of these headdresses became the focal point of the art group Treti Pivni. Treti Pivni is composed of a team of stylists, makeup artists, and photographers who beautifully captured women and children in traditional Ukrainian headdresses. Their work was reported on by Vogue stating that the revival of Ukrainian headdresses is promoting a revival in other Ukrainian fashion staples, including the vyshyvanka and zhupan which are traditionally worn during dance performances as well. In the past, vinoks (Ukrainian headdresses) were worn by young girls to show their status in society. The styles of these headdresses ranged from simple ribbons in their hair with fresh flowers in the summer months to elaborate wreaths with designs and artificial flowers crafted from cloth and paper in the winter months. The intricacy of the designs increased after marriage, and some designs were even used to signify that a woman was seeking a husband. Today, vinoks are commercially sold year-round throughout the country and are gaining popularity internationally for their eye-catching style. The traditional style and ways of fabricating vinoks still exists in Ukraine and is a prominent element of their culture. Their design and photogenic colors have caused a spike in sales for more modern uses. This increase in demand has created a market for mass produced vinoks as a style accessory in fashion today. Whether these Ukrainian headdresses are being worn for traditional dances and festivals or for photoshoots internationally, they are sure to turn heads and make a statement.