Backstage at Khrystyna Rachytska Credits: Serhiy Khandusenko Since its return to Kyiv in September 2024, Ukrainian Fashion Week has been held under conditions that repeatedly disrupt the regular rhythm of a fashion week. The autumn/winter 2026/27 edition was no exception. Between a postponed date and ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with noticeable consequences for power and heat supplies in Kyiv, the event, held from March 12 to 15, nevertheless asserted itself. This once again highlighted the role of fashion in Ukraine, not only as an aesthetic force but also as a cultural and economic one. “This season will not be remembered for its postponed dates or the difficult conditions under which the collections were created,” said Iryna Danylevska, founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week. “It will be remembered for the uncompromising belief in what we stand for and in the Ukrainian fashion industry.” The Art of Fashion exhibition Credits: Kateryna Gagosova Stemming from this attitude, questions of identity—national, individual, or brand-specific—became a central theme of the presentations in Kyiv. In parallel, textiles and sustainability took on key significance. Under the title Art of Fashion, Ukrainian Fashion Week presented an accompanying exhibition that brought together sustainable approaches, new materials, and experimental techniques. It featured works by Bevza; J’aemme; Kseniaschnaider; Litkovska; Nadya Dzyak; Plngns; TG Botanical; Upslowuse; and the Ukrainian Fashion Education Group. Sustainability as structure The discourse was not confined to the exhibition space. The runway collections also engaged intensively with sustainability. The theme rarely appeared in isolation; instead,…
