Cultural Diplomacy and Ethnic Luxury: How POLONETS Made Its Mark on the International Runway in Bangkok
Contemporary Ukrainian ethnic fashion has long transcended its local context. Today, it speaks to the world through the language of refined style, noble textures, and profound meaning. A striking example was the major international exhibition Amazing Thailand Global Thai Silk Exhibition, held in Bangkok. Among designers from more than 100 countries presenting their national identity and cultural heritage, Ukraine was officially represented by the premium brand POLONETS.
For this landmark event, designer Oksana Polonets created an exclusive original look entitled “SPADOK” (“HERITAGE”). The dress became a true manifesto of cultural diplomacy, bringing together the traditions of two nations.
The exhibition’s central concept was to integrate handwoven Thai silk with locally produced fabrics from the designer’s home country, incorporating traditional cultural elements. Oksana Polonets approached this challenge with the perfectionism characteristic of the premium segment, creating a truly distinctive look.
The ensemble harmoniously combines:
• Royal Thai silk — an embodiment of Asian luxury and centuries-old weaving traditions.
• Natural, eco-conscious fabrics of Ukrainian origin — noble linen and authentic hemp textiles from Lutsk, Ukraine.
The combination of textures from different origins, united by their exceptional quality, creates a remarkable interplay of volume and tactile sensations. It is a direct response to the expectations of discerning eco-luxury enthusiasts, who seek not only visual elegance in clothing but also the uncompromising natural integrity of its materials.
At the heart of the composition is the Tree of Family Lineage, a traditional Ukrainian symbol of life, continuity, and the unbreakable bond between generations. Its roots reach deep into the past, while its branches stretch toward the light — through adversity, toward hope and the future. It represents a strength preserved in the memory of generations and carried within each of us.
The natural textures of linen, hemp, and silk intertwine with the delicate openwork of traditional Ukrainian embroidery known as merezhka. The natural beauty of the materials, the finesse of the designer’s craftsmanship, and the expressive character of Ukrainian ornament create a cohesive look in which tradition does not remain in the past but continues to thrive through contemporary design.
The international exhibition in Bangkok once again demonstrated that Ukrainian traditions, as interpreted by POLONETS, are not merely a legacy of the past but a refined and elegant expression of the present — one that is valued with pride both in Ukraine and at international cultural and diplomatic events.
