Recommendations from the Kyiv Independent: A look at Ukrainian brands and home decor with head of communications Nadia Pahava (Patreon)

Hi friends, Nadia here. I’ve recently stepped into the role of Head of Communications at the Kyiv Independent, which is very exciting. My job is to help more people discover the work we do.

Before joining the Kyiv Independent, I spent many years working with Ukrainian brands. So when the team suggested I put together the recommendations this time, my first instinct was to share some of my longtime favorites.

Of course, it’s a challenge to follow the excellent Holiday Gift Guide curated by our business editor, Lili Bivings. Even so, I decided to give it a go, as there are still countless Ukrainian brands worth exploring.

Let’s start with ceramics. I can browse these pieces for hours, imagining where each one might live in my home. I love Sofika ceramics for their natural colors and organic shapes — their vase at my place attracts fresh flowers almost every day.

I’m also very fond of the little treasures by Pershozviri (which means “the first animals” in Ukrainian). They bring an ancient tradition of ceramic toys back to life, turning Trypillian-inspired beasts into objects that feel playful and meaningful at the same time. And since I’ve always had a soft spot for bulls, these are especially dear to me — here’s a quick shoutout to my all-time favorite bull from Gunia Project.

Take a look at Trupasta (they’re also on Etsy) — they make beautiful wooden ravioli molds decorated with traditional Ukrainian ornaments. In a previous job back in the day, I even made sure they landed on the pages of Vogue.

And then there are candles. Anytime, anywhere — there’s no such thing as too many (not even the blackouts could cure me of my love for them).

Medovi Svichky (honey candles) fill your home with a cozy aroma and come in the most colors. Savruk candles are all about great scents and come in very cute ceramic (of course) pots.

I’ll end the list with the Povitrulia candle by Nadra. This piece brings to life a mythological figure from the Carpathian Mountains — a benevolent spirit, sometimes described as a daughter of the wind, who protects lovers. The name Povitrulia comes from "viter," the Ukrainian word for "wind."

Next, fashion craftspeople. I could never list all the designers I love in a single day, but I wanted to share a few especially meaningful stories. When I first saw pieces from Podyh, I was instantly drawn to both the idea and the execution. The team set out to weave elements of traditional Ukrainian architecture into clothing — and they absolutely nailed it. Their Dranka cape reimagines a defensive outpost, the Dzvinytsya skirt follows the shape of a bell tower, and the Strikha dress — an absolute standout — recreates a traditional thatched roof using raffia.

Also, take a look at Omelia Atelier — they turn vintage and deadstock shirts into real statement pieces. They’re also great at working with crystals, and there’s a fun story here: Their transformer belt/necklace/bracelet was literally bought off me at one of the events I took part in in the U.S.

Last but not least, check out Paskal, a brand known for its dreamy laser-cut designs. I especially love their shopper bag and have it in several colors, which I switch up depending on my mood. (Bonus points: The shopper is part of a charity drop, with proceeds going toward making camouflage nets.) 

I really hope this isn’t my last set of recommendations — there are still so many pieces and brands in Ukraine that continue to amaze me. These creators aren’t just businesses to me; they’re storytellers and innovators shaping what Ukrainian identity looks like today. Supporting them means more than buying something beautiful. It’s a way of standing with Ukraine and carrying a piece of its creativity into your own life.

I hope you enjoy discovering them — and shop Ukrainian.