HORSHAM, Pa. – The Vyshyvanka Couture Fashion Show, sponsored by the Philadelphia Regional Council of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and the Tryzub Ukrainian American Sport Association showcased the spectacular work of Ukrainian fashion designer Oksana Karavanska, who dazzled the audience with her stunning one-of-a-kind haute couture fashions.
Held in a totally transformed room of the Tryzub Center in Horsham, Pa., the show was spearheaded by Eryna Korchynsky, a fashion show organizer and a member of the UNWLA Philadelphia Regional Council, and organized by Halyno Henhalo, president of the UNWLA Philadelphia Regional Council, who worked tirelessly with an active committee to create the event that sold out in a matter of weeks. The show also marked the 90th anniversary of its parent organization, UNWLA, which was also celebrated that day. To the delight of attendees, Karavanska made her collection available for purchase to the adoring audience after the show with 20 percent of sales going to Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief, the beneficiary of the October 25, 2015, event.
The blustery fall day began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served on the terrace to the sounds of the lively duo, the Rick and MC band. Friends mingled, anticipating the show ahead, before they were led into a space adorned creatively with the designer’s signature hung ceiling-to-floor (a creation by Andrij Korchynsky). Modeling platforms strategically located around the room ensured that every attendee could easily see the fashions.
Prior to the start of the show, attendees were entertained by renowned violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo, who played her way around the room, engaging the audience with her mesmerizing performance.
The event was generously sponsored by Martha Pelensky, executive board member of the Philadelphia Regional Council of the UNWLA; John Hynansky of the Winner Automotive Group and Winner Ukraine; George and Maria Pazuniak; and Meest U.S.A. Numerous other patrons were listed in the program booklet that included historical information about the UNWLA and a biography of Ms. Karavanska and program participants.
On each table was a light luncheon for everyone to enjoy during the program that was emceed by Eugene Luciw and Lada Kozak. Throughout the afternoon, they shared some history about the UNWLA and encouraged participants to purchase the fashions or simply donate to the cause. They also thanked the many people who had made the day possible. Welcoming remarks were also made by past UNWLA President Oksana Farion, who recalled the organization’s early years.
During the show, the models – girls and women active in Philadelphia’s Ukrainian community – strutted around the room, showcasing 49 pieces of Ms. Karavanska’s collection. Designs ranged from the more ethnic — intricate embroidery and richly textured appliqués on uniquely cut blouses and dresses — to more formal looks employing beading, pleats and sheer materials, often juxtaposed with ripped jeans, stilettos, dramatic make-up and signature red lips, underscoring the wearability of Ms. Karavanska’s designs.
“For many years, the Ukrainian press called me an ‘ethno designer,’ and I disagreed with them,” Ms. Karavanska said in a post-show interview. “I never used ethno style in my fashion shows. I spoke the Ukrainian language and maybe they interpreted it that way.”
Ms. Karavanska, who lives and works in Lviv but also has a boutique in Kyiv, said she had decided to pursue fashion design at a young age; she recalled dressing her dolls when she was a little girl. She also enjoyed other artistic outlets, such as painting, before she attended and graduated from the Lviv Academy of Applied and Decorative Arts. She said she is excited about the enthusiasm for her latest collection, explaining that it was her intuition to create the Vyshyvanka Couture line, not a trend that she followed.
“I had a strong feeling to develop this line; it was never a trend. Ukrainians enjoy my line, but many Europeans wear it as well,” Ms. Karavanska commented.
While she wouldn’t reveal much about her upcoming collection, she did say it would be “prêt-à-porter,” or a ready-to-wear line.
The show concluded with a final walk-through of all of the models, plus the audience’s first look at the designer and her team, which included Eryna Korchynsky, who was not only instrumental in inviting Ms. Karavanska to Philadelphia but also led the artistic direction of the show. Following a standing ovation, audience members were invited to shop for the fashions showcased during the show. Prices ranged from $300 to$2,500.
To learn more about Ms. Karavanska, readers may follow her on Facebook at OKaravanska.