Erin Hodson Backstage at Vancouver Fashion Week, Tetyana Golota talks about her collection “Love to Ukraine”, and the interwoven dance performance that was presented with it. Golota speaks to us about the historical significance of her designs, and the message she hopes to convey.
Ukrainian designer and eco-stylist, Tetyana Golota, showcased her collection and performance at this 2022’s Vancouver Fashion Week Fall/Winter season. “Love to Ukraine” is a dedication to the culture and to the people of Ukraine, and a celebration of lasting Ukrainian tradition.
What inspired your brand?
My inspiration is from the community. From watching the Ukrainian news, and what is happening now. There was one phrase that caught my attention. It was “During the war, we should do what we do best”, and what I do best is to create a vision of traditional outfits. I’m an eco-stylist, so I do traditional cross stitching embroidery, very deep rooted Ukrainian outfits. That’s my passion.
[These clothes are for] women to wear everyday, and most of those outfits that we are representing today are collected from the community, so I kind of put them together, and then I add some stuff to it. Some of the blouses are a hundred years old, some of them I made when I was seven years old, so it’s just stuff from the community.Visually, how, it’s all about balance. [The designs] need to be balanced, it needs to be aesthetically beautiful, and appropriate for their ages as well.
What inspired this specific collection?
Ukraine!
What’s your creative process like?
Each region has its own outfit, so all dancers are wearing each different region. The added cross-stitching and traditional embroidery is a deeply historical thing. Women were making those for men when they go to war, and every stitch was like a protection against evil. All of this is very deeply rooted, it’s almost like the DNA of the country.
Why did you decide on a dance performance?
I thought it’d be good representation – tradition continues even though we are not there. Kids who weren’t born in the Ukraine need to know their grandparents and parents’ routes, so they are sent to dancing classes. I think it’s amazing to join together.
What’s the vision of the future of your brand?
I’m hoping for the future of Ukraine, that’s what I hope right now. So, this show is simply put together, collectively, by the community, to show and send out love to Ukraine.
Thank you to Tetyana Golota for painting us such a beautiful picture of Ukraine, from the intricate garments to the performances. This collection was a poignant celebration and tribute to Ukraine and its long-lasting history.
Catch Tetyana Golota and her other designs on her instagram @ecostylist. For more runway photos, check out @vanfashionweek on instagram.