Recommendations from the Kyiv Independent: A look at Ukrainian fashion brands with reporter Asami Terajima (Patreon)

Hi Kyiv Independent members, 

This is Asami Terajima, a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, giving her first attempt at a recommendation newsletter. 

When our senior community manager, Brooke Manning, asked me a few weeks ago whether I’d be able to write this letter, I was at first unsure whether I had enough cultural knowledge to recommend anything to our audience. But after we came up with the idea of recommending Ukrainian brands I love, I wholeheartedly agreed. 

This isn't meant as an advertisement, just as my way of sharing some of my personal favorite Ukrainian designers and creators, in the hope you'll discover something new. I've tried to pick ones that ship internationally. 

My current favorite is the comfy but fashionable denim jeans from Match, which brand founder Iryna Nosenko says began with her journey to find “the perfect jeans.” The brand says it works with local manufacturers and prioritizes quality over quantity, which, at least to me, explains why I was so surprised when I first tried on their jeans. I’ve always worn Japanese brand Uniqlo jeans, but Match’s pairs are currently my go-to. I have their baggy jeans in denim and dark gray, and they just go with any top. They are a bit too warm in summer, though, since the jeans are made with pretty thick fabric. 

My mother also bought a jean jacket from Match, and I really like the variety of shapes they come in. The brand also has denim corsets if that is more your style. 

Another Ukrainian brand that I have also adored is Kate Kore. I purchased a black tote bag a few years ago, and it is super convenient, but also stylish. It fits my 16-inch laptop, and I don’t feel the weight as much because of the thick handle and the pretty light leather fabric. The downside is that I can never find keys or anything small because there are no pockets. 

I am also a big fan of Coosh, and I always end up leaving the shop with something, even when I try telling myself that I don't need more clothes. I like the brand’s simple but chic designs in mostly basic colors, like black, white, and gray, but the designers manage to make them unique somehow. If you are looking for a classy Ukrainian fashion brand that offers a wide range of items from shoes to sweaters and dresses, I would definitely recommend Coosh. 

I’ll wrap up my recommendation of three Ukrainian fashion brands. Do let me know if you try them out and like them! You can also find more about Ukrainian fashion, including high-end brands here, and the Kyiv Independent’s 2024 gift guide here.

Best, Asami