As a result of the significant movement of Ukrainians during the 19th and early 20th century, today there is a vast collection of Ukrainian embroidered garments housed in various museums across the United States of America and Canada. Each pattern on the traditional clothing indicated the individual’s ethnic background, social standing, and marital status. During that time, the production of clothing was the primary economic activity for Ukrainians. The folk costume was made using materials such as linen, hemp, and wool, and embroidery designs were introduced in the mid-20th century. Throughout generations, historical, social, and cultural factors have influenced the evolution of this traditional attire. The Ukrainian folk costume blends functionality and aesthetics.
During the Second World War, in order to preserve the priceless national embroidery heritage, the people of Ukraine buried their traditional clothes in the ground, as a manifestation of belonging to the Ukrainian nation, which served as a source of inspiration for many luxurious international brands such as John Galliano, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. This act of burying their clothes became a symbol worn by journalists, activists, politicians, and writers, showcasing the traditional embroidered clothing as a representation of Ukrainian culture.
The Homestead project
Homestead: Chernihiv Region, Novhorod-Sivers’kyiDistrict, MamekyneVillage
The objective of Homestead is to make the cultural richness of Ukraine known, not only to a wider public but also to the diaspora who now belong to those still present on the territory. This unique project, with its informative dimension, educates us on the cultural diversity and customs of the different regions of Ukraine through a series of photographs depicting traditional Ukrainian clothing, architectural styles, hairstyles, and accessories specific to a particular territory and period. Extensive research and collaboration with the main actors allowed Homestead to accurately match the architecture, furniture, and objects with the clothing of each major region of Ukraine, creating an authentic atmosphere. In order to preserve the memory of Ukrainian culture and its cultural heritage, the museum houses a collection of furniture, handicrafts, clothes, shoes, hairdos, jewelry, and ornaments. The National Museum of Architecture and Folk Life of Ukraine in Kyiv collaborates with the Ukrainian San Antonio Foundation to bring Homestead to life.
Enriched with highly detailed descriptions, the images created are the subject of postcards, which are sold to fund exhibitions in various countries.