In 18th-early-20th-century Ukraine, women – no matter how rich or poor – strived to look festive, wealthy, and spectacular on every special occasion. Every Sunday, they took their “Sunday best” from a closet (or rather a large chest) and went to the church or to the market or for a visit dressed in their fanciest clothes. Unfortunately, life in Ukraine was rather hard and needy at the time, as Ukraine was under the rule of the Russian Empire. So, the best women could afford was a piece of fine fabric for a skirt or apron, an imported silk kerchief, a coral necklace with a silver dukach pendant, etc.
Still, Ukrainian women found their ways of dressing attractively. For example, they wove breathtaking and bright woolen fabric to sew a skirt, with various unique patterns. Or created outstanding needlework patterns to decorate their shirts, aprons, and even outerwear. Or gathered piece by piece wonderful jewelry sets that look costly and arresting even today.
Ukrainians are proud people, and it has always been important for them what they wore and how they looked, so they were “greedy” for artfully-looking garments, catchy decorative details, and fine jewels. Every woman worked for years to gather all the best clothes and accessories so that she could go out and impress people around her.
Today, we’re offering you photos of a small collection of Ukrainian authentic clothing from the late 19th – early 20th century. Every attire is complemented with gorgeous jewelry pieces that easily overshadow all the other articles of clothing on a mannequin, though, they’re lovely as well. Also, note the beautiful embroidery patterns on female shirts – they add a festive and cheerful vibe to the outfit. Without the needlework, the whole set would appear duller and a lot less inspiring.
Enjoy the close-ups of vintage Ukrainian jewelry pieces and needlework designs!
