“Garden of Sophia” on Ukraine’s Independence Day

To mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the POLONETS brand presented a look from its “Zberezhena Spadshchyna” (“Preserved Heritage”) collection as part of the “Garden of Sophia” exhibition, held within the framework of the VI Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.

The project was realised in partnership with “How Are You?”, Ukraine’s national mental health programme, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, and the Zagoriy Foundation’s Social Practices Lab. “Garden of Sophia” brings together cultural heritage, contemporary art, memory, and practices that promote mental well-being.

Designer Oksana Polonets dedicated the “Zberezhena Spadshchyna” collection to the traditional culture of the Luhansk region, part of the Slobozhanshchyna ethnographic region. The collection is rooted in research into traditional Ukrainian attire and reinterprets its ornaments, silhouettes, and distinctive artistic features through the language of contemporary design.

The featured shirt showcases geometricised botanical ornaments characteristic of the Luhansk region, rendered in a palette of white, red, and blue. A distinctive detail is the “Family Tree” motif on the back of the sleeves — a symbol of family unity, continuity between generations, and protection.

“Zberezhena Spadshchyna” is a way of preserving Ukrainian culture not only in museum collections but also in contemporary life, giving authentic traditions a new expression through the language of design.