BACK IN THE USSR
Retro Soviet chic reimagined: A delicate lace skirt contrasts with a bold crimson necktie and puff-sleeved top, set in a nostalgic Kyiv apartment evoking understated USSR-era aesthetics with modern irony.
FASHION FROM KYIV: CELEBRATING RESILIENCE THROUGH CREATIVITY
Amidst the ongoing tragedy of the Ukraine-Russia war, it might seem paradoxical to spotlight a fashion series emerging from Kyiv. Yet, such an initiative is not only meaningful but essential. Art, design, and fashion have historically served as reflections of human resilience, and the creative expressions from Ukraine are no exception. By showcasing this series, the intention is to illuminate the enduring spirit of a nation under siege and the profound role creativity plays in defiance of adversity.
Soviet nostalgia meets modern irony: A vibrant yellow quilted dress paired with a vintage “Moscow” fridge creates a playful blend of retro functionality and high-fashion flair.
The featured series, titled Back in the USSR, was photographed in January 2019, before Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine escalated into full-scale war. Set in an old, slightly kitschy apartment in Kyiv, the series evokes a nostalgic yet ironic homage to the Soviet era. The clothing, too, embraces this aesthetic, blending a retro USSR-inspired kitsch with contemporary commentary.
Decadent USSR-inspired glamour: A shimmering metallic dress contrasts with retro Soviet decor, blending nostalgia with bold modernity and a hint of rebellion.
The war has undoubtedly brought immense suffering to Ukraine, displacing millions and altering countless lives. However, despite these challenges, the Ukrainian fashion industry continues to create, inspire, and thrive. The designs from Kyiv speak volumes—blending cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. They do not ignore the harsh realities but instead transform them into powerful visual narratives that resonate far beyond the borders of their origin.
A neutral knit top paired with a classic plaid skirt evokes simplicity and nostalgia, framed by retro floral wallpaper.
Highlighting this series aligns with the guide’s mission to explore and promote cultural voices that challenge conventional narratives. The designs represent more than clothing; they symbolize survival, identity, and hope in times of darkness. Fashion, in this context, is not frivolous. It becomes a medium of storytelling, a way to maintain cultural identity, and a beacon of hope for a future of peace.
Modern Soviet chic: A crisp white shirt paired with textured shorts, fishnet knee-highs, and a striped cardigan evokes understated elegance with a nostalgic nod to retro interiors.
By presenting this series on PAFexplorer, the guide seeks to foster understanding and solidarity. It encourages viewers to engage with Kyiv’s creative landscape, offering a lens into the lives of those who continue to dream and innovate amidst turmoil. Supporting such artistry sends a powerful message: that the human spirit, embodied in creativity, endures even in the most challenging circumstances.
A nostalgic nod to USSR kitsch, this look blends a red Pioneer-inspired neckerchief with contemporary pieces—Schiesser top, Moss Copenhagen shorts, and fishnet knee-highs. Set in a retro Kyiv apartment, the scene playfully reimagines Soviet-era aesthetics with ironic flair.
A nostalgic homage to Soviet-era youth, these images showcase the iconic uniforms of the Young Pioneers—red scarves, crisp shirts, and disciplined aesthetics. While evoking unity and loyalty, they also reflect the regimented ideals and propaganda of a regime that demanded conformity, blending timeless style with the complexities of a bygone USSR.
Model photography and text by Max