While many may see fashion lovers, as a frivolous bunch this could not be farther from the truth. On Thursday, April 7th Vancouver Fashion Week showcased " Love to Ukraine " a presentation that shone a light on Ukrainian culture and the horrors of war. The showcase started with a video montage showing the incredible beauty of Ukraine and its proud citizens. However, the video soon changed to show the horrific destruction of this beautiful country and its people.
The fashion community has often raised funds and drawn attention to many causes. In this case, it is not only used to shine a light on inhumane brutality but to lift, celebrate and support culture. As we witness the ruthless destruction of a country and its people, we also witness a world falling in love with Ukraine. If only it did not take the atrocities of war to let people see Ukraine and witness its vibrant culture.

LOVE TO UKRAINE

The showcase " Love to Ukraine " was coordinated and styled by Vancouver designer, stylist, and model Tetyana Golota (@ Ecostylist ). I was first exposed to Ukrainian visual culture while attending university in Edmonton, which has a large Ukrainian community. The world-famous Ukrainian Easter eggs and clothing combine many of the same geometrical patterns and color palettes. The Ukrainian aesthetic is vivid, vital, and varied.

Ukrainian traditional clothing is recognizable for its elaborate embroidery, pure colors, and the brilliant colored flowers that decorate women's clothing and shawls. Much of the Ukrainian clothing focuses on the vyshyvanka, the loose-fitting shirt/blouse worn by men and women. The embroidery on the shirt and the colors reflect the region in the country where it is made.

The other recognizable element of Ukrainian dress is the vinok, the flowered crown, that has longstanding meaning in Ukrainian Culture. The vinok traditionally is a symbol of virginity and purity. In contemporary culture, the vinok symbolizes peace, is an accessory for Instagram beauty, a Coachella accessory, and an inspiration for many fashion designers. The culture of Ukraine is vibrant and reflects the artistic skills and craftsmanship of the Ukrainian people. The presentation on the VFW runway showed all this and more.

PHOTOS BY ARUN NEVADER

LOVE TO UKRAINE

While " Love to Ukraine" was not a typical runway show, it presented the clothing and culture of the country. Traditional folklore costume is often a starting point for fashion designers. Many designers use traditional clothing to influence the garments they create. A wearer can incorporate traditional clothing into their looks. Often ethnic clothing adds vibrancy, detail, and cultural references to one's wardrobe.

The vibrant clothing and traditional dance of " Love to Ukraine " brought the Vancouver Fashion Week audience to their feet. The expression of art, history, and culture is the background of fashion. When all this is working in conjunction, art and culture can be a powerful force to focus the viewer on an issue. Tears were shed during the runway presentation, and our energies and attention were on the terrible invasion and war in Ukraine. Below is a link to a charity that supports Ukraine. I encourage all to donate.

MAPLE HOPE FOUNDATION

ABOVE I am pictured  with my friend Tetyana Goleta. I was proud to wear blue and yellow in support of Ukraine. Tetyana is a wearing a dress by Ukrainian fashion designer Andre Tan. Currently Andre is busy sewing uniforms for the Ukrainian Army. We can help support Andre and the Ukrainian Army  by visiting his website and making a donation or purchasing his designs.

ANDRE TAN

WEBSITE

IN CONCLUSION

Since its conception in 2001, Vancouver Fashion Week has been dedicated to cultivating the success of both established designers and award-winning emerging designers with its global perspective and highly multicultural approach. " Love to Ukraine " is an ideal match for Vancouver Fashion Week, following its mandate to cultivate international design and support multiculturalism. Arts and culture have always been a vehicle for change, often a promoter of peace and a shedder of light, sometimes into the darkest places. Thanks to Vancouver Fashion Week and its CEO Jamal Abdourahman for shining the light.

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW