SPOTLIGHT ON: Etnodim

“You have a new package” notifications from our building’s front desk took on a whole new level of excitement since my wave of orders from beautiful Ukrainian fashion brands. Every box arriving from Kyiv, Mykolayiv, Odesa and other heroic cities of Ukraine send me into a crying frenzy – I was literally hugging the last box I got from Kyiv.

Items created by Ukrainian designers, seamstresses and teams of creatives are now more precious that I could’ve ever imagined.

Etnodim package was the first to arrive – I RAN downstairs to pick it up with an “ahhhh!” that sent panicking Lucy (our cat) hiding under the bed. Order was placed on Mother’s Day, right before Vyshyvanka Day – of course, with a gorgeous gift for mom. Packages take about a month to arrive to NYC from Ukraine, but may take even longer – if you choose to place an order from Etnodim, understand you’re signing up for a long wait that’ll be 100% worth it.

Beautiful lilac April dress was now added to my wardrobe, while my mom selected the Zozulya in very light beige. The embroidery on both garments is exceptionally detailed – zooming in on the ornaments, you’ll spot a nuanced mix of threading and carefully selected palettes of colors – it’s very clear pieces were made with love for the craft, fashion, Ukrainian culture and the customer.

Etnodim Garments

This type of dress is called a Vyshyvanka – a traditional Ukrainian embroidered garment with hundreds of years of rich history, modernized by Ukrainian and global brands since 2014. Vyshyvanka’s geometric embroidery was historically believed to protect the wearer from evil eye. Every Ukrainian region has its own unique pattern representing individual ethnic identities, each distinctive – but generally, the western part of Ukraine is known for bolder colors and chunkier patterns, while eastern regions represent some lighter, more delicate designs.
Despite serving as a strong symbol of Ukraine’s culture and history – you absolutely don’t have to be Ukrainian to wear one!
There is a sustainability aspect to the garment – its highly versatile and very comfortable – style the dress like mine with a belt and modern footwear, create oversized silhouettes without belting at all or cinch the waist with a matching sash.

On this blog, we talk about ethical fashion, brands and trends transforming the industry and we also support Ukraine – quick break to donate $5!

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through donations for tactical & military aid.

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through financing purely defence initiatives. 

Support my hometown – Sumy. Money raised is used to support territorial defenses.

Support a volunteer association “Zgraya” – helping soldiers, civilians & animals.

Donate to purchase medicine to send to wounded soldiers & hospitals on the front lines.

Org helping animals during the war – shelters, zoos, eco parks, farms and more.

Etnodim BRAND

Etnodim creates some of the best and most popular Vyshyvanka garments in Ukraine.

Based in Kyiv, this 13-year old brand specializes in Vyshyvankas for women and men but also offers a whole range of products – children’s clothing, outerwear, accessories and even DIY kits to create your own embroidery (how cool….). Etnodim operates and produces garments in Ukraine – providing jobs for the whole creative team, which is especially important now when Ukraine is defending its land against russia’s aggressive invasion.

This whole blog is a giant call-to-action for smart meaningful investments in fashion, support for brands creating gorgeous clothing, while following ethical practices, finding one-of-a-kind items that represent your personality and style… so friends! I urge you to support Etnodim and their team with a purchase – plus, by wearing a Vyshyvanka, you wear a symbol of Ukraine’s culture, strength and history. A move extra important right now when Ukrainian culture is targeted for destruction.