GROOVY VINTAGE FASHION
FROM THE UKRAINIAN DIASPORA
September 20, 2019 - May 2, 2020

Not all Museum treasures come from the distant past. This show unpacks Mama’s and Baba’s boxes for a nostalgic look back at Ukrainian-Canadian style in the 1960’s and 1970’s, when embroidery adorned almost everything from home decor and handbags to the ubiquitous a-line dress.

During the1960’s and 1970’s, the fashion world was experiencing a revolution in style as a response to the global events of politics and war. At this time as well, Canada adopted its first policies on multiculturalism which ignited a cultural pride in many communities. Ukrainians in the diaspora exhibited pride in their beloved vyshytia which they now interpreted onto the modern fashion of those eras. Embroidered Soirees were typically hosted by Ukrainian Women’s Associations as fundraisers. These ‘Vyshyvani Vechernytsi’ were fashion shows that showcased embroidered handiwork and the personal style of those who created them.

These beautifully embroidered garments were proudly modelled at the ‘Embroidered Soirees’ by the person who created them, a family member or a friend. The contestants would form a large circle and parade around for a jury to evaluate and for all the guests to see. The garments would be evaluated by the jurors on three criteria: the origin of the embroidery motif, the style of the garment and the application of the embroidery to the article of clothing. After the stress of competing, a zabava (dance party) would continue the evenings festivities late into the night where everyone could relax and admire each others’ embroidered handiwork.

Childrens’ clothing was also decorated with vyshyvanka. Embroidered by a mother, baba, aunt or friend, these items would be passed on down through the family to siblings or cousins and then, even on to the next generation.

Whether a garment was worn by a choral group, a wedding guest or for a special occasion such as a young woman’s Ukrainian graduation, embroidered attire was popular and very appropriate for any Ukrainian event.

Embroidery adorned everything from home décor and handbags to jewellery and accessories, as well as household items.

The 1970’s were in full swing and women’s popular fashion of the time included embroidered peasant blouses and ankle length maxi dresses while men’s fashion was largely influenced by bright colours and textures.  Bell-bottom pants or frayed jeans were popular for both men and women and Ukrainian embroidery lent itself easily to all of these fashion statements.

Almost half a century later, the Millenials and Gen Z are inheriting a turbulent world reminiscent of what the Baby Boomers faced. Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014 reignited a cultural pride in the global Ukrainian community, inspiring people to don ethnic textiles as mainstream fashion. The fashion industry took note and traditional garments especially VYSHYVANKA - embroidered shirts and garments and VINKY - flower crowns, emerged on runways around the world.