Ukrainian fashion label PODYH presented its Spring/Summer 2024 collection as part of Berlin Fashion Week. Inspired by local architecture, designer Daria Plaksyuk showcased 15 stunning looks under the title KHYZHA, which received applause from the over 200 guests in attendance at the Runway Presentation in the Kronprinzenpalais.

Founded in 2020 by architect Daria Plaksyuk, the label's exceptional women's collections embody the spirit of various architectural styles. Daria Plaksyuk finds inspiration in her homeland of Ukraine. The immense cultural wealth and diverse talent of the Ukrainian people are very important to the designer.
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 "As a Ukrainian designer, I also feel a deep sense of pride in representing the heritage of my country and sharing it with the world through fashion," says Daria Plaksyuk. The designer expresses great gratitude for the opportunity to present the new collection during Berlin Fashion Week: "I am deeply grateful to the organizers for offering Ukrainian designers this exceptional opportunity. This is an incredible experience for me and my team."
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The SS24 collection, titled KHYZHA, continues to explore Ukrainian architecture and its construction traditions, reinterpreting the architectural heritage and daily life of the inhabitants of the Ukrainian Carpathians. PODYH embraces the simplicity and clarity of the forms and lines characteristic of the region's buildings, creating a connection between centuries-old traditions and the present. The collection's name, KHYZHA, which means "dwelling" in Ukrainian, refers to the traditional houses of the Lemko people, one of the ethnic groups in the Carpathian region.

The collection embodies the shapes of various traditional structures such as wooden churches, bell towers, windmills, and houses, as well as architectural and construction methods used by masters. The collection also integrates decorative motifs and ornaments found in the architecture and folk embroidery of Carpathian residents.
"It was fascinating to explore techniques used by different craftsmen and integrate them into garments," says Daria Plaksyuk. For example, the traditional carved talisman six-petal rosette (called Gromovyk in Ukraine) has been reinterpreted and adorns cutouts on the back of dresses and tops. The silhouettes of the styles also replicate the volumes and forms of architecture: lively and light fabrics represent the connection with these incredible buildings through wide, trapezoidal, and stepped structures. Special emphasis was placed on the colors in this collection, which reflect both the natural elements of Carpathian architecture - wood, straw, and clay - and the colors of regional ornaments and decorations.

Through music and visual elements, the label created a deep connection with the source of inspiration, immersing the audience of over 200 guests in the atmosphere of Ukrainian villages and the Carpathian region. Among the 15 looks presented on the runway, the raffia dress received special attention. With its imitation of the structure of a thatched roof and a multitude of refined details, this dress becomes a true work of art. Another highlight of the collection is the bags and accessories.
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 "I am very proud of the accessories made from leather scraps, which mimic traditional roofing techniques such as "Dranka," a type of wooden shingle, and thatched roofs. Additionally, this season we introduced the Vitryak mini bag, a handmade leather keychain that reinterprets the traditional wooden windmill," says Daria Plaksyuk.
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The name of each item is a Ukrainian word associated with its architectural inspiration, such as Vitryak - windmill, Dzvinytsya - bell tower, Dranka, Gont - types of wood shingle, Strikha - straw roof, and others. It helps to stay connected and further delve into the heritage of the region and style.
<a href="https://tbf7a5d95.emailsys1a.net/c/32/6820882/4531/0/16715720/11/357049/c30f0aee4f.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PODYH</a> is not just a brand, but a mission that the label pushes forward with its collections. PODYH inspires to explore the world of architecture and discover its value. Thanks to PODYH architecture and fashion merge to convey a unique art that you can wear.

Photo: PR project hype / Stefan Knauer Getty Images for Nowadays

Berlin Fashion Week: Ukrainian fashion label PODYH impressed with collection KHYZHA

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