Ukrainian fashion – yesterday and today!
Colorful, elegant and characterized by a tapestry of intricate embroidery, the Ukrainian national dress is, nowadays, only worn at folk festivals and special occasions. Both men and women have their unique styles, which is linked to the particular district the wearers are coming from.
When performing folk dances, women wear unique, traditional dresses distinctive to their region. They usually consist of a brightly colored skirt worn over a petticoat and an embroidered white blouse with a vest. Quite often an apron will also be part of the ensemble. On their heads, the dancers will wear a floral headdress with bright streamers flowing down their back.
The folk outfit for men is simpler than that for women. It often consists of Cossack-type baggy trousers, pulled tightly at the waist by a sash and at the ankles by laces, a long sleeve, white linen shirt, and leather boots. Some regions will also add a sleeveless, bodice-shaped jacket, and depending on the season, a hat that looks like a stocking cap can be worn in addition to a matching overcoat with long, wide sleeves.
There is no doubt that, outside of traditional and ethnical clothing, every nation has its own individual fashion sense. The Ukraine is certainly not an exception. Fancy clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessory collections are designed, runways are prepped and fashion shows are put in the spotlight. The only slight difference to Western competitors is that Ukrainian presentations border little on impressive, yet uncomfortable Haute Couture creations, but rather stick to ready-to-wear, prêt-a-porter lines.
There are a number of reasons why Ukrainian designer dresses, pantsuits and outerwear do not make it into the local clothing stores. Little money is invested in the fashion industry, young, talented designers move abroad and foreign imports are cheaper. Furthermore, these exclusive garments, which can be dressed up with Swarovski crystal accents and adorning handmade accessories, are easy on the eyes, but most of the time very uncomfortable to wear around the farm and kitchen.
Although times are changing and more worldly influences invade the cities, the majority of country women still put on a dress to work in the fields during the hot summer months. If they are married, they will also wear a traditional ‘kerchief’ on their head. It is a custom that has been around for centuries and is not likely to fade away soon.
Walking down memory lane
My grandmother did not wear brightly printed, low-cut dresses, and certainly no pant suits. No, she wore a typical farmer’s dress when working in the fields and for special occasions she would press her dark green satin blouse, her off-white skirt and her beautifully hand-embroidered apron. She wore durable, comfortable shoes and stockings as, in those days, women did not flaunt a lot of bare skin.
Old days wedding fashion and ceremony
A typical wedding back then was very colorful and exciting. Many guests were invited, there was lots of food and whoever had an accordion or violin would come by and play. Even though wedding ceremonies have not changed much, the dress code has. They may no longer wear hats and caps, but men still wear a new suit, shirt and tie. Women on the other hand, now wear elaborate white wedding gowns, elegant shoes and, depending on the season, are no longer afraid to show their legs and cleavage.
COUNTRY STYLE FASHION in AUSTRALIA
Fashion trends are a sign of the times; they come and go and inevitably, they come back again. Early clothing was dictated by necessity and function, with people choosing clothes based on their occupation, geographical location and gender. Fashion, on the other hand, reflects the prevailing styles of the current day and can be defined by any number of indicators such a style, fabric, colour and cut. Throughout modern history, we have experienced a melding of dress and fashion, the combination appearing perhaps most noticeably in the area of country style. The idea of modern country living is recalling bygone days with simplistic and wearable styles for every day. Men's Fashion
Ukrainian Culture: Keeping Traditions Alive
Although diverse in nature, Ukrainian culture emphasizes the importance of tradition, freedom and independence in the lives of its people. Although the Ukrainian people have dealt with the turmoil of oppressive governments, these adverse conditions produced, in many, a strong sense of nationalism and pride, evident in the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Ukrainian Traditional Folklore
Ukrainian folklore shares many beliefs and practices with the wider Slavic population in Eastern Europe. However, Ukraine has had unique historical experiences that have given it its own distinct traditions as well.
I Love Ukraine
The Ukrainian language has a long and fascinating history. In spite of attempts to stop or limit its use, as well as fierce competition from the Russian language, Ukranian still prospers in the Ukraine, particularly in the western regions. As its use is encouraged more and more under the present government, even more Ukrainian people speak the language as their native tongue of choice. The shift in language is especially notable in Kiev, where rural dwellers have moved into the city, bringing their language with them. Schools in the Ukraine have started to provide more education about the native Ukraine language.
''Ridne Slovo''
