Litkovska RTW Spring 2023
It felt like a moment of grace in Paris as the sun peeked through the stormy clouds long enough for Ukrainian designer Lilia Litkovska to present her spring collection in a carousel in the Tuileries Garden.
The designer, who got married this summer and dropped the last syllable "ya" of her name to further express her Ukrainian identity, wanted a bigger gesture than just showing off her latest creations in real life.
Having titled her spring collection "Vesnianka", after a traditional song that would be sung whenever that the blessing of higher powers was needed, the first of its models came out in front of a quintet of singers in traditional Ukrainian attire singing such a blessing. Litkovska said she hoped her participation in the ceremony would help her spread and manifest her desire for peace in the universe.
Beautiful pants with an asymmetrical pleat in front, bohemian tops with long fringe bordering the back of the bras, or workwear-inspired jackets that fell well above the waist looked like the kind of fare that would appeal as much to a fashionable ensemble as to those looking for reliable workhorses.
Although Litkovska's pieces are entirely contemporary, a closer look reveals details of craftsmanship, usually reserved for her more upscale "Artisanal" line. For example, the grainy fabric used on a buttonless shawl collar coat was developed in-house, weaving leftovers from the previous season's production using traditional rug weaving.
Elsewhere, the lyrics of a 1930s poem by a Ukrainian political dissident were embroidered tonal tone around the neckline.
His accessories tapped into the same vein. Flap bags, cut from the same material, had an integrated plastic cover. Under normal circumstances, this would be the kind of witty detail that made Litkovska's designs popular. Beneath the Currents, her explanation that "into this bag they bring their traditions and their roots" was particularly poignant, as were her mother's handcrafted crochet elements.
Once all the models had taken their places on the carousel, a tearful Litkovskaya emerged, holding a Ukrainian flag. The applause of guests and spectators quickly turned into a chorus of "Glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes", the country's national salute and symbol of its resistance.
It felt like a moment of grace in Paris as the sun peeked through the stormy clouds long enough for Ukrainian designer Lilia Litkovska to present her spring collection in a carousel in the Tuileries Garden.
The designer, who got married this summer and dropped the last syllable "ya" of her name to further express her Ukrainian identity, wanted a bigger gesture than just showing off her latest creations in real life.
Having titled her spring collection "Vesnianka", after a traditional song that would be sung whenever that the blessing of higher powers was needed, the first of its models came out in front of a quintet of singers in traditional Ukrainian attire singing such a blessing. Litkovska said she hoped her participation in the ceremony would help her spread and manifest her desire for peace in the universe.
Beautiful pants with an asymmetrical pleat in front, bohemian tops with long fringe bordering the back of the bras, or workwear-inspired jackets that fell well above the waist looked like the kind of fare that would appeal as much to a fashionable ensemble as to those looking for reliable workhorses.
Although Litkovska's pieces are entirely contemporary, a closer look reveals details of craftsmanship, usually reserved for her more upscale "Artisanal" line. For example, the grainy fabric used on a buttonless shawl collar coat was developed in-house, weaving leftovers from the previous season's production using traditional rug weaving.
Elsewhere, the lyrics of a 1930s poem by a Ukrainian political dissident were embroidered tonal tone around the neckline.
His accessories tapped into the same vein. Flap bags, cut from the same material, had an integrated plastic cover. Under normal circumstances, this would be the kind of witty detail that made Litkovska's designs popular. Beneath the Currents, her explanation that "into this bag they bring their traditions and their roots" was particularly poignant, as were her mother's handcrafted crochet elements.
Once all the models had taken their places on the carousel, a tearful Litkovskaya emerged, holding a Ukrainian flag. The applause of guests and spectators quickly turned into a chorus of "Glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes", the country's national salute and symbol of its resistance.
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