Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
HASSON
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
No items found.
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Pink
frost
Thistle
brown
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Super talented stylist-turned-photographer Thistle Browne and stylist Heathermary Jackson — both in New Zealand during COVID-19 lockdowns — traveled to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano off the coast of Central Auckland, to shoot the new campaign for New Zealand jewelry designer Jasmin Sparrow. The shoot showcases Sparrow’s timeless gold and silver jewelry, and a beautiful collection of hand-beaded bras and skull caps designed with Glen Prentice. Models wore mainly vintage from Search and Destroy and Brownstone Cowboys’ collection, combined with some local, sustainable brands and New Zealand gumboots (rainboots).
Photography:Thistle Brown Styling:Heathermary Jackson Designers: Jasmin Sparrow and Glen Prentice Models: Charlotte Moffatt, Nina Katungi, Obadiah Russon
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Photos courtesy of BOBKOVA
Are you still in Ukraine?
I went to Western Ukraine and feel relative safety today with my small children. One part of our female team stayed in Kyiv, another part went out of town or to Western Ukraine. All our men are mobilized, they are defending Kyiv and the Kiev region. But everyone is in Ukraine. I believe that very soon we will return to our homes, husbands and BOBKOVA studio!
How were you impacted?
On February 24th around 5 am my family was awakened by explosions and the noise of planes. I will never forget this day… I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe. We quickly packed our suitcases, and departed with my kids and a cat, leaving my husband in tears behind. Certainly, he mobilized and stayed to defend Kyiv. At first, we left to suburbs but the battles near Irpin and Gostomel were terrible: planes over the house, constant explosions; we were lying on the floor without light with my children and pregnant sister - this was hell. The aggravation of this situation made us run further, I was driving for 4 days straight without sleep. Suburban roads were in traffic as driving on highways was simply dangerous, queues for gas were 3-4 hours long, overnight stays were unsafe. Now I am in Western Ukraine with my children. Although, the unknown is even scarier. I want and believe that I will save my brand BOBKOVA, as well as my children! It's my life and what I have been building for the last 20 years.
"I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe."
What are you doing to help?
Now, being in western Ukraine, we are planning routes and looking for housing for those who are trying to leave the hot spots. Our employees, who stayed in Kyiv, are sewing bags for the defense troops and curtains for the headquarters of humanitarian aid. All our tailors, designers, managers support each other in our collective chat. All of us 100% believe in the victory of Ukraine! We've found all essential medicines for employees through volunteers; they also bring water and food. We are experiencing financial difficulties since everything is stopped and we can’t sell/send anything. But all employees received a partial salary to support their lives.
How can the rest of the world help?
Our BOBKOVA brand wants to remain a Ukrainian brand in every sense, including territorial. Even though our production halted. All employees are fighting and holding on, but it is possible that soon we will all need help. There are plans for evacuation and restarting the work in the future. As of now, we primarily think about people and families, and only then about dresses, fabrics, and patterns. We need powerful truthful coverage of events in Ukraine from the fashion industry, the international press, and influencers to help our country and the entire fashion industry in Ukraine. Everyone should know that this is no longer a war, but a genocide of the Ukrainian people. They brutally kill, bomb, and shoot unarmed women, children, and the elderly. They do not provide green corridors for the evacuation of civilians, they destroy cultural heritage, they bomb kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. I did not believe that I would face such terrorism and fascism - such is the reality of what is happening. Yesterday my girlfriend was injured in front of a child (this is a family of artists, they tried to evacuate from Bucha) - there is no connection with her, we hope that she is still alive. Every day people are dying from bombing in cities, cars with people trying to leave being shot. Many Ukrainians are now in basements without communication and electricity, without food and water. Support us, help to stop this terrible war!!!! BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Photos courtesy of BOBKOVA
Are you still in Ukraine?
I went to Western Ukraine and feel relative safety today with my small children. One part of our female team stayed in Kyiv, another part went out of town or to Western Ukraine. All our men are mobilized, they are defending Kyiv and the Kiev region. But everyone is in Ukraine. I believe that very soon we will return to our homes, husbands and BOBKOVA studio!
How were you impacted?
On February 24th around 5 am my family was awakened by explosions and the noise of planes. I will never forget this day… I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe. We quickly packed our suitcases, and departed with my kids and a cat, leaving my husband in tears behind. Certainly, he mobilized and stayed to defend Kyiv. At first, we left to suburbs but the battles near Irpin and Gostomel were terrible: planes over the house, constant explosions; we were lying on the floor without light with my children and pregnant sister - this was hell. The aggravation of this situation made us run further, I was driving for 4 days straight without sleep. Suburban roads were in traffic as driving on highways was simply dangerous, queues for gas were 3-4 hours long, overnight stays were unsafe. Now I am in Western Ukraine with my children. Although, the unknown is even scarier. I want and believe that I will save my brand BOBKOVA, as well as my children! It's my life and what I have been building for the last 20 years.
"I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe."
What are you doing to help?
Now, being in western Ukraine, we are planning routes and looking for housing for those who are trying to leave the hot spots. Our employees, who stayed in Kyiv, are sewing bags for the defense troops and curtains for the headquarters of humanitarian aid. All our tailors, designers, managers support each other in our collective chat. All of us 100% believe in the victory of Ukraine! We've found all essential medicines for employees through volunteers; they also bring water and food. We are experiencing financial difficulties since everything is stopped and we can’t sell/send anything. But all employees received a partial salary to support their lives.
How can the rest of the world help?
Our BOBKOVA brand wants to remain a Ukrainian brand in every sense, including territorial. Even though our production halted. All employees are fighting and holding on, but it is possible that soon we will all need help. There are plans for evacuation and restarting the work in the future. As of now, we primarily think about people and families, and only then about dresses, fabrics, and patterns. We need powerful truthful coverage of events in Ukraine from the fashion industry, the international press, and influencers to help our country and the entire fashion industry in Ukraine. Everyone should know that this is no longer a war, but a genocide of the Ukrainian people. They brutally kill, bomb, and shoot unarmed women, children, and the elderly. They do not provide green corridors for the evacuation of civilians, they destroy cultural heritage, they bomb kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. I did not believe that I would face such terrorism and fascism - such is the reality of what is happening. Yesterday my girlfriend was injured in front of a child (this is a family of artists, they tried to evacuate from Bucha) - there is no connection with her, we hope that she is still alive. Every day people are dying from bombing in cities, cars with people trying to leave being shot. Many Ukrainians are now in basements without communication and electricity, without food and water. Support us, help to stop this terrible war!!!! BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
FASHION & BEAUTY
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Photos courtesy of BOBKOVA
Are you still in Ukraine?
I went to Western Ukraine and feel relative safety today with my small children. One part of our female team stayed in Kyiv, another part went out of town or to Western Ukraine. All our men are mobilized, they are defending Kyiv and the Kiev region. But everyone is in Ukraine. I believe that very soon we will return to our homes, husbands and BOBKOVA studio!
How were you impacted?
On February 24th around 5 am my family was awakened by explosions and the noise of planes. I will never forget this day… I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe. We quickly packed our suitcases, and departed with my kids and a cat, leaving my husband in tears behind. Certainly, he mobilized and stayed to defend Kyiv. At first, we left to suburbs but the battles near Irpin and Gostomel were terrible: planes over the house, constant explosions; we were lying on the floor without light with my children and pregnant sister - this was hell. The aggravation of this situation made us run further, I was driving for 4 days straight without sleep. Suburban roads were in traffic as driving on highways was simply dangerous, queues for gas were 3-4 hours long, overnight stays were unsafe. Now I am in Western Ukraine with my children. Although, the unknown is even scarier. I want and believe that I will save my brand BOBKOVA, as well as my children! It's my life and what I have been building for the last 20 years.
"I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe."
What are you doing to help?
Now, being in western Ukraine, we are planning routes and looking for housing for those who are trying to leave the hot spots. Our employees, who stayed in Kyiv, are sewing bags for the defense troops and curtains for the headquarters of humanitarian aid. All our tailors, designers, managers support each other in our collective chat. All of us 100% believe in the victory of Ukraine! We've found all essential medicines for employees through volunteers; they also bring water and food. We are experiencing financial difficulties since everything is stopped and we can’t sell/send anything. But all employees received a partial salary to support their lives.
How can the rest of the world help?
Our BOBKOVA brand wants to remain a Ukrainian brand in every sense, including territorial. Even though our production halted. All employees are fighting and holding on, but it is possible that soon we will all need help. There are plans for evacuation and restarting the work in the future. As of now, we primarily think about people and families, and only then about dresses, fabrics, and patterns. We need powerful truthful coverage of events in Ukraine from the fashion industry, the international press, and influencers to help our country and the entire fashion industry in Ukraine. Everyone should know that this is no longer a war, but a genocide of the Ukrainian people. They brutally kill, bomb, and shoot unarmed women, children, and the elderly. They do not provide green corridors for the evacuation of civilians, they destroy cultural heritage, they bomb kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. I did not believe that I would face such terrorism and fascism - such is the reality of what is happening. Yesterday my girlfriend was injured in front of a child (this is a family of artists, they tried to evacuate from Bucha) - there is no connection with her, we hope that she is still alive. Every day people are dying from bombing in cities, cars with people trying to leave being shot. Many Ukrainians are now in basements without communication and electricity, without food and water. Support us, help to stop this terrible war!!!! BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
FASHION & BEAUTY
October 11, 2023
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stories From Ukrainian Designers
March 22, 2022
Interview: Ana Tess
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Photos courtesy of BOBKOVA
Are you still in Ukraine?
I went to Western Ukraine and feel relative safety today with my small children. One part of our female team stayed in Kyiv, another part went out of town or to Western Ukraine. All our men are mobilized, they are defending Kyiv and the Kiev region. But everyone is in Ukraine. I believe that very soon we will return to our homes, husbands and BOBKOVA studio!
How were you impacted?
On February 24th around 5 am my family was awakened by explosions and the noise of planes. I will never forget this day… I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe. We quickly packed our suitcases, and departed with my kids and a cat, leaving my husband in tears behind. Certainly, he mobilized and stayed to defend Kyiv. At first, we left to suburbs but the battles near Irpin and Gostomel were terrible: planes over the house, constant explosions; we were lying on the floor without light with my children and pregnant sister - this was hell. The aggravation of this situation made us run further, I was driving for 4 days straight without sleep. Suburban roads were in traffic as driving on highways was simply dangerous, queues for gas were 3-4 hours long, overnight stays were unsafe. Now I am in Western Ukraine with my children. Although, the unknown is even scarier. I want and believe that I will save my brand BOBKOVA, as well as my children! It's my life and what I have been building for the last 20 years.
"I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe."
What are you doing to help?
Now, being in western Ukraine, we are planning routes and looking for housing for those who are trying to leave the hot spots. Our employees, who stayed in Kyiv, are sewing bags for the defense troops and curtains for the headquarters of humanitarian aid. All our tailors, designers, managers support each other in our collective chat. All of us 100% believe in the victory of Ukraine! We've found all essential medicines for employees through volunteers; they also bring water and food. We are experiencing financial difficulties since everything is stopped and we can’t sell/send anything. But all employees received a partial salary to support their lives.
How can the rest of the world help?
Our BOBKOVA brand wants to remain a Ukrainian brand in every sense, including territorial. Even though our production halted. All employees are fighting and holding on, but it is possible that soon we will all need help. There are plans for evacuation and restarting the work in the future. As of now, we primarily think about people and families, and only then about dresses, fabrics, and patterns. We need powerful truthful coverage of events in Ukraine from the fashion industry, the international press, and influencers to help our country and the entire fashion industry in Ukraine. Everyone should know that this is no longer a war, but a genocide of the Ukrainian people. They brutally kill, bomb, and shoot unarmed women, children, and the elderly. They do not provide green corridors for the evacuation of civilians, they destroy cultural heritage, they bomb kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. I did not believe that I would face such terrorism and fascism - such is the reality of what is happening. Yesterday my girlfriend was injured in front of a child (this is a family of artists, they tried to evacuate from Bucha) - there is no connection with her, we hope that she is still alive. Every day people are dying from bombing in cities, cars with people trying to leave being shot. Many Ukrainians are now in basements without communication and electricity, without food and water. Support us, help to stop this terrible war!!!! BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Rarely do war and fashion intersect. Moved by the events in Ukraine, our Sustainability Editor - Ana Tess - reached out to her contacts to interview some fantastic Ukrainian designers who were able to share the heartbreaking but inspiring stories of their first days of the war. Not only have their businesses been disrupted, but their lives as well. Ana spoke with them to get a perspective on how they are managing in these demented times.
Since 2013, when Anna Osmekhina founded the brand, TTSWTRS was recognized worldwide and worn by Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, Iryna Shayk, Winnie Harlow, and many others. The starting point was a collection of “tattoosweaters” sold in legendary Colette and inspired by her friend’s boyfriend, Tattoo artist, whose body was fully covered in tattoos. In 2020, the brand announced to use solely sustainable fabrics.
Photos courtesy of TTSWTRS
Are you still in Ukraine?
My work trip to Barcelona coincided with the start of these terrible events to my great regret. On the first day of the war, my mom called at 5 am, saying, “the war started.” So now I’m in Spain, helping at a distance and coordinations several prowesses to help my family, team, and friends be as safe as possible.
How did you get impacted?
Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation. Ten days ago, we had an everyday life, plans for our future and a future of TTSWTRS, we were full of ideas and creativity, choosing with the team how to implement it to the new projects, and that life was totally taken away from us in a moment.
"Shock, pain, misunderstanding. We were trying to pull together to help loved ones. Now life is like a scary movie, total derealisation."
What are you doing to help?
Help is needed now in all sorts of ways. Information, coordination of evacuation processes, finding accommodation and a way to escape, a donation to the UA Army, moral support for loved ones and the team.
How the rest of the world can help?
We encourage all countries to unite in determined and swift action against the aggressor. After all, Ukraine is defending its borders and those of Europe. Furthermore, the worldwide community should initiate several noticeable steps, such as: Ukraine’s accession to the EU; Closing the sky over Ukraine ; Initiate an international military tribunal against Putin and his collaborators as terrorists who committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. Spread the word, go to the streets, be an informational army fighting for Freedom, Human Rights, and Future! Get in touch with your Russian friends and ask them to take action and go the streets! Help informally and financially by sending money to support the Ukrainian army via official links.
Brand founders, Natasha Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, bring traditional ethnic elements into their modern designs. Like shaggy woven wool coats named gunias, originally worn by Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains. Or beautiful hand-painted potteries inspired by deep ethnographic research and artistic craftsmanship.
Photos courtesy of GUNIA
Are you still in Ukraine?
Yes, we stayed in Ukraine. Here is our family, homeland and this is our conscious choice. At this stage, part of our team and families are in Kyiv, part of them managed to leave for western Ukraine. This is a scary and stressful situation, but we try to control our emotions as much as possible and help in any way.
How are you impacted?
The impact of this event on us is incomparable to what the families of the fallen soldiers, the people who came under attack, are now experiencing. Russian soldiers surround the cities, they do not allow organizing a green corridor, volunteers can not deliver food, clothing, and medicine to some cities in Ukraine. Due to these events, some cities and villages of Ukraine are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war.
"This is a terrible time, and we are praying for an end to the war."
What are you doing to help?
We look for opportunities to volunteer, collect and destroy fake information and propaganda. GUNIA Project has launched a campaign, and we are selling our yellow and blue bird candles. We are transferring all the funds to the Return Alive Foundation and to support stray animals. Now it is extremely difficult for them to survive without donations.
How can the rest of the world help?
At this stage, we need any help, especially financial and informational. We need the support of the world, because the Russian Federation is not informed about the events, and their media space is filled with propaganda and fake information. It is important that they know the truth! Please see links in bio for organizations that send funds for the army, volunteers, and stray animals.
BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
Photos courtesy of BOBKOVA
Are you still in Ukraine?
I went to Western Ukraine and feel relative safety today with my small children. One part of our female team stayed in Kyiv, another part went out of town or to Western Ukraine. All our men are mobilized, they are defending Kyiv and the Kiev region. But everyone is in Ukraine. I believe that very soon we will return to our homes, husbands and BOBKOVA studio!
How were you impacted?
On February 24th around 5 am my family was awakened by explosions and the noise of planes. I will never forget this day… I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe. We quickly packed our suitcases, and departed with my kids and a cat, leaving my husband in tears behind. Certainly, he mobilized and stayed to defend Kyiv. At first, we left to suburbs but the battles near Irpin and Gostomel were terrible: planes over the house, constant explosions; we were lying on the floor without light with my children and pregnant sister - this was hell. The aggravation of this situation made us run further, I was driving for 4 days straight without sleep. Suburban roads were in traffic as driving on highways was simply dangerous, queues for gas were 3-4 hours long, overnight stays were unsafe. Now I am in Western Ukraine with my children. Although, the unknown is even scarier. I want and believe that I will save my brand BOBKOVA, as well as my children! It's my life and what I have been building for the last 20 years.
"I never believed that it would've possibly happened in the 21st century with me and my family in Kyiv in the center of Europe."
What are you doing to help?
Now, being in western Ukraine, we are planning routes and looking for housing for those who are trying to leave the hot spots. Our employees, who stayed in Kyiv, are sewing bags for the defense troops and curtains for the headquarters of humanitarian aid. All our tailors, designers, managers support each other in our collective chat. All of us 100% believe in the victory of Ukraine! We've found all essential medicines for employees through volunteers; they also bring water and food. We are experiencing financial difficulties since everything is stopped and we can’t sell/send anything. But all employees received a partial salary to support their lives.
How can the rest of the world help?
Our BOBKOVA brand wants to remain a Ukrainian brand in every sense, including territorial. Even though our production halted. All employees are fighting and holding on, but it is possible that soon we will all need help. There are plans for evacuation and restarting the work in the future. As of now, we primarily think about people and families, and only then about dresses, fabrics, and patterns. We need powerful truthful coverage of events in Ukraine from the fashion industry, the international press, and influencers to help our country and the entire fashion industry in Ukraine. Everyone should know that this is no longer a war, but a genocide of the Ukrainian people. They brutally kill, bomb, and shoot unarmed women, children, and the elderly. They do not provide green corridors for the evacuation of civilians, they destroy cultural heritage, they bomb kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. I did not believe that I would face such terrorism and fascism - such is the reality of what is happening. Yesterday my girlfriend was injured in front of a child (this is a family of artists, they tried to evacuate from Bucha) - there is no connection with her, we hope that she is still alive. Every day people are dying from bombing in cities, cars with people trying to leave being shot. Many Ukrainians are now in basements without communication and electricity, without food and water. Support us, help to stop this terrible war!!!! BOBKOVA is a Ukrainian brand with Japanese discipline. The brand creates “pieces that are relevant regardless of time and situation” as well as rethinking gender stereotypes by making gender-fluid clothes projecting strength and femininity. Despite a horrifying situation in Ukraine, Bobkova shared her life journey with us and showed a continuous belief in humanity and peace.
-poster-00001.jpg)
