Ukrainian Folk Costume as a Synthesis of Traditions and Modernity (the case study of clothes of the first ladies of Ukraine)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is a comprehensive approach to the study of Ukrainian folk costume in socio-cultural context of modernity. Analysing ethnic-style clothing in the wardrobe of the First Ladies of Ukraine, there is an urgent need to consider it as a combination of national clothing traditions and modern approaches to its interpretation in the society. The methodological basis of the study included general scientific methods, such as generalisation, systemic-structural and structural-functional methods that made it possible to identify and analyse traditional and innovative foundations of the Ukrainian folk costume and its elements in modern designer clothing of Ukraine at the beginning of the 21st century. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the fact that source and factual material on the chosen topic has been collected, analysed and systematised, the prerequisites of "revival” of the Ukrainian costume have been analysed, and the peculiarities of using the individual costume elements have been clarified on the basis of political, economic, and socio-cultural factors. Conclusions. A number of factors influencing the transformation of Ukrainian national costume elements in modern clothing created by Ukrainian designers have been identified. The creative heritage of leading Ukrainian designers of modern period – Oksana Karavanska, Roksolana Bohutska, Oksana Polonets, Lilia Pustovit, Artem Klimchuk, Lilia Litkovska, Lake brand, who created ethnic-style clothing of the First Ladies of Ukraine – Kateryna Yushchenko, Maryna Poroshenko, Olena Zelenska – for their participation in ceremonial events has been analysed. These are dresses, embroidered shirts, suits worn by wives of the Presidents of Ukraine, in particular, to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine and the International Vyshyvanka Day. It has been found that leaders of public opinion, in particular the First Ladies of Ukraine, through their own visual image, popularise the national idea, are an example for imitation by different layers of Ukrainian population, contribute to preservation of national identity, influence global trends in the fashion industry.

Key words: Ukrainian folk costume, traditions, modernity, design, the first lady of Ukraine.