"SARAFAN"
When women weren’t prancing around in their embroidered shirts, they were twirling around in what is called a “sarafan.” The “sarafan” is a long shapeless dress that originated in Ukraine and made its way through European fashion. The colors of the dress would often times distinguish the social placement of a woman in society. The “sarafan” has been modernized in Ukrainian fashion as a light, colorful summer dress.
Ukrainian fashion has always been an art form of expression representing both history and style.Men would wear embroidered shirts while playing folk music, as women would dance along in their embroidered skirts. Each region of Ukraine had a different style of embroidery, which would differentiate regions but also unify the country with a definitive national style. Typically, traditional shirts were white with red or black motifs embroidered with different patterns. The embroidery would be hand sewn by the matrons of the family into anything from aprons to necklaces.
Put on your embroidered shirts and woven shoes because it is time to go to Ukraine!
By Vlada Ginzburg