Dr. Lada Tsymbala presents on the modern integration of traditional Ukrainian motifs within contemporary Ukrainian fashion
15 July 2017
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Dr. Lada Tsymbala during the lecture
As part of its ongoing lecture series, on July 12, 2017 the Shevchenko Scientific Society, Edmonton branch, hosted a presentation by Dr. Lada Tsymbala, Associate Professor at the Lviv National Academy of Arts. The event was held at the University of Alberta's Senate Chambers, in conjunction with the Department of Modern Languages and Culture Studies (MLCS) - Faculty of Arts, and the Ukrainian Language Education Centre (ULEC) - the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.
The topic of the lecture was the modern integration of traditional Ukrainian motifs within contemporary Ukrainian fashion. This is an area of significant cultural impact as the self-identity of the Ukrainian nation rapidly evolves along with the country's struggle for national preservation. Dr. Tsymbala's lecture focused specifically on how embroidery has become integrated into Ukrainian fashion, particularly areas that generally do not include national costumes, from everyday wear to haut couture. The presenter gradually walked the audience through this feature's evolution, from initial independence in 1991, the difficult 1990's, a rebirth in the time of the 2004 Orange Revolution, the gradual popularization of the embroidered shirt (vyshyvanka) among the youth, and ultimately today's rapid integration of these ethnic elements into the creations of Ukraine's fashion elite.
The presentation was enhanced with stunning photos of these Ukrainian ethnic elements from throughout the country's diverse regions into the newest designer fashions. These visuals underlined the popularization of this ethnic integration into contemporary fashion by demonstrating works ranging from leading foreign designers (ex. Yves St. Laurent), Ukrainian design students, and museum pieces such as inauguration dresses of Ukraine's presidential first ladies.
This lecture is very topical as it ties together the evolution of culture and art in contemporary Ukraine with its place in the world of fashion. And at the same time brings to light the opportunities for Ukrainian ethnic elements as they enter the global fashion stream.
Dr. Lada Tsymbala teaches on topics related to the history of Ukrainian art and design at the Lviv National Academy of Arts. Her research focuses on issues of ethnic features in contemporary Ukrainian fashion. A recipient of the Alberta-Ukraine Special Recognition Award (Government of Alberta), Dr. Tsymbala is conducting research at the University of Alberta during the summer of 2017.