UKRAINIAN MOTIFS REIMAGINED THROUGH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day was celebrated with a reception hosted by Ambassador Nariman Dzhelyal at the Embassy of Ukraine in Ankara. The evening featured a fashion show by Ukrainian designer Khrystyna Rachytska, who presented a collection inspired by traditional Ukrainian motifs, blending heritage with a contemporary aesthetic.
M. FERHAT YÜKSEL
Hosted by Ambassador Dzhelyal, his wife Leviza Celilova, and Embassy Counselor Oleksii Chernyshev, the event brought together an impressive diplomatic audience, including Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff General Levent Ergün, ambassadors, military officials, and members of Ankara’s diplomatic and cultural circles.
TÜRKİYE, A STEADFAST SUPPORTER OF UKRAINE’S SOVEREIGNTY
Minister Işıkhan underlined that Ukraine and Türkiye, strategic partners since 2011, share not only a common geography but also deep historical ties. “Türkiye is a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” he said, emphasizing that the strategic partnership has shown remarkable resilience throughout the ongoing war, expanding into new dimensions and gaining strong momentum.”
Highlighting the geopolitical importance of the Black Sea region, Işıkhan noted that both nations are working to transform the shared basin into “a guarantee of lasting stability and prosperity for our region and beyond.” He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the peaceful and legitimate cause of the Crimean Tatars, describing Crimea as a vital crossroads of the two nations’ historical and cultural ties.
AMBASSADOR DZHELYAL EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO TÜRKİYE
Ambassador Nariman Dzhelyal stated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has continued for over a decade. “For the past four years, our nation has been resisting a full-scale invasion. Our enemy does not abide by the rules of war; its targets are not only our armed forces but also civilians,” he said.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of Türkiye for their unwavering stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We sincerely thank Türkiye for its active role in establishing the Grain Corridor, for its efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian citizens, for supporting diplomatic initiatives toward peace, and most importantly, for assisting in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children,” he added.
DESIGNS REFLECTING THE UKRAINIAN SPIRIT
Following the speeches, designer Khrystyna Rachytska showcased her collection in a runway show featuring Ukrainian models. Speaking exclusively to Démarche, Rachytska said it was an honor to create works that embody the Ukrainian spirit and cultural identity. “My mission is to preserve Ukraine’s national culture and reinterpret it through a contemporary lens so it can be presented to the world,” she said. “As Ukraine faces war, our duty is to show the world how incredibly rich and deeply rooted our culture truly is.”
HANDCRAFTED EMBROIDERIES INSPIRED BY HERITAGE
The designer explained that all embroideries featured in the collection were entirely handmade and based on authentic patterns. “My designs draw inspiration from traditional Ukrainian shirts and their 100–120-year-old embroidery motifs,” she noted. “I aim to transform these timeless symbols into modern garments that today’s women and men can wear, appreciate, and pass down to future generations. These are not merely traditional pieces; they are modern creations that can be worn anywhere in the world.”
The evening also featured a charity auction that included a jersey signed by Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko, a football autographed by Shakhtar Donetsk coach Arda Turan and his team, and boxing gloves signed by Ukrainian world champion Oleksandr Usyk. The celebration concluded with a soulful performance by musician Taras Yanitskiy on the traditional bandura, symbolizing the harmony of Ukraine’s cultural resilience and artistic grace.
