The Kyiv Independent's first vyshyvanka: Kyivan embroidery, modern design, limited edition (Patreon)

We're finally ready to share what we've been working on over the past few months — and dreaming about for much longer than that. The first-ever vyshyvanka by the Kyiv Independent, inspired by traditional embroidery motifs from Kyiv, is ready to meet the world. This vyshyvanka is a limited edition; only 100 pieces are available for pre-order. 

PRE-ORDER OUR FIRST VYSHYVANKA

A vyshyvanka is a Ukrainian embroidered shirt or dress. Vyshyvankas are said to have existed in Ukraine since the fifth century, and, since then, they have become a symbol of who you are and where you come from. They are still worn across Ukraine by both men and women, for everyday life and special occasions. The vyshyvanka proves that culture is not frozen in time; it is alive, and it evolves.

To create our own, we partnered with Gaptuvalnya — a respected Ukrainian brand whose designs have been spotted on our First Lady, Olena Zelenska. Together we combined traditional floral motifs from Kyiv and historic blue tones — which naturally mirror our brand colors — to produce a vyshyvanka with elegant embroidery and a contemporary, unisex silhouette.

Every element of the embroidery has been chosen with intention:

Floral motifs — flowers and botanical forms have long symbolized life, prosperity, and continuity in Ukrainian embroidery.

Flowing vines — the winding stems connecting each motif represent movement, ritual, and the idea that tradition is never static but always evolving.

Winding river — this symbol, also called "bezkinechnyk," was popular in what is now Ukraine more than 20,000 years ago. It represents eternal life, flowing harmoniously.

Historic blue — blue represents peace, harmony, and depth. Historically, indigo — the dye behind this color — traveled to Ukraine via trade routes from India, and is thought to bring peace of mind and protect against disease.

All the wavy patterns in our modern design symbolize the life and movement of Kyiv, an ancient city that has been evolving for centuries despite wars and disasters, and remains the beating heart of Ukraine.

Nevertheless, symbols — like the culture they carry — are never fixed. Their meanings shift, layer, and evolve with every generation that inherits them.

Our team and Gaptuvalnya have put months of work into creating something special, and every step of it — from inspiration to design — happened here in Kyiv. The result is a vyshyvanka truly representative of Kyiv, and of the Kyiv Independent.

This vyshyvanka is a limited-edition piece, with only 100 available. Don't miss out — pre-order yours today. Don’t forget to use your code for 15% discount: WELOVEYOU.

PRE-ORDER YOUR VYSHYVANKA

We feel a deep, rooted connection to Ukraine whenever we put on a vyshyvanka — we hope you experience that same connection to us, in Kyiv, when you wear this one.

The vyshyvanka is now on pre-sale. By ordering now, you secure one of the 100 limited edition pieces. Shipping starts July 5. Please note that this product ships from Ukraine;  VAT and customs fees may apply.