Beautiful Portraits of Modern Women Giving New Meaning to Traditional Ukrainian Crowns

Photography is one of the best ways to preserve traditions, and that is just what Slavic workshop Treti Pivni (translated as Third Rooster) is doing with their series of women and children in traditional Ukrainian headdresses. The team is made of photographers, stylists, and makeup artists who are smitten with Ukraine, and use photography to share the beauty and unique customs of their homeland with the rest of the world.

The floral wreaths, worn here by the models of this series, are traditionally crafted for girls and young, unmarried women as a sign of their “purity” and marital eligibility. In pre-Christian times, the headdresses were thought to protect innocent girls from evil spirits. In the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution, there has been a surge in national pride, especially when it comes to fashion. The floral headdress, or vinok, is often worn in daily life. The flowers are usually either fresh, paper or waxen, and are attached onto a band of stiff paper backing covered with a ribbon. The vinok is mostly connected with weddings and folk festivals, though its floral aesthetic has a more peaceful purpose in its contemporary use. Model Nadiia Shapoval told Vogue Magazine, “I think we are coming back to floral themes because fashion is starting to react on wars that we are having around the globe. We need some tenderness.”

Ultimately, Treti Pivni is sharing peace, tenderness, and knowledge of the Ukrainian culture with the world. You can find more on their Instagram.

Treti Pivni: Facebook | Instagram
via [Design You Trust, [Slavorum]

All images via Treti Pivni.

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