This year’s traditional Vyshyvanka Day in Ukraine was a symbol of resistance to Russian aggression – and Hollywood stars united in supporting the cause.
Every year on the third Thursday of May Ukraine celebrates Vyshvanka Day.
The occasion pays homage to the country’s original folk traditions and sees citizens wearing embroidered Ukrainian clothing, including the vyshyvanka, a loose-fitting shirt often black or white with geometric patterns sewn on the edges.
This year’s celebration was considered a symbol of national unity against the Russian invasion.
It was also a moment for celebrities, including some of the ambassadors of Ukraine’s official fundraising platform UNITED24, to show their support by wearing the vyshyvanka. The clothes will be raffled off and the proceeds will benefit the restoration of a school in Buzova, Kiev Oblast, that was destroyed in the war.
Celebrities from France, Canada, USA and UK wore custom made traditional shirts designed by Ukrainian embroidery brand ETNODIM. Some of the stars wore shirts with patterns specific to the regions where their ancestors lived; For example, Liev Schreibers comes from Odessa and Barbara Streisands from Ternopil.
Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick’s Vyschyvanka contains traditional elements from Halychyna, where the actress’ grandparents are from.
Director Michel Hazanavicius’ embroidered shirt is characteristic of Volyn (in western Ukraine), the region where his grandmother came from.
American actor Liev Schreiber’s design is an example of mid-20th-century embroidery originating from the Odessa region, where his grandparents and great-grandparents lived.
Imagine Dragons manager Mac Reynolds’ shirt colors and embellishments are typical of traditional styles from Podillia in south-western Ukraine. Instead of traditional horses, the t-shirt features stylized dragons.
Andriy Shevchenko’s Vyshyvanka chestnut leaf design was based on traditional geometric embroidery from the Kyiv region – a nod to the football legend’s hometown.
The fundraising project also created designs for all UNITED24 ambassadors, including Barbra Streisand and Mark Hamilton, although they were not featured on their shirts.
In a statement, UNITED24 said: “Now these embroidered shirts will go to different countries: France, Canada, USA and England and they will always remind UNITED24 ambassadors of their important work and strong connection with Ukraine.”
Funds raised as part of the Vyshyvanka project will help rebuild a school in the village of Buzova, which was destroyed by Russian troops during the March 2022 Kiev offensive. The replacement will cost an incredible 1,150,000 euros – but UNITED24’s fundraiser has almost reached its goal. It runs until June 1st.
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