WHAT TO WEAR THIS WEEKEND
EMBROIDERED KAFTAN
KAFTAN, embroidered, peasant, boho; there are many names for the familiar style of dress I’m wearing here but this summer it
seems important to use its real name: Vyshyvanka, a traditional embroidered shirt from Ukraine.
HAND-CRAFTED
YOU’LL see the style everywhere this season, thanks in part to Ukrainian designer Vita Kin who popularised them with her eponymous label. She has some truly incredible designs and each piece is meticulously handcrafted in her workshop in Kyiv using artisanal methods.
That explains the price point. A hand-embroidered linen blouse with puff sleeve and tassel-front ties will set you back £860 while a traditional maxi
dress with belted waist is around £1,500. If you have this kind of money to spend on clothing then this is a stylish way of supporting the Ukrainian economy.
TERRIFIC TASSELS
BUT the high street has been inspired too and Jigsaw has done it best. This navy linen blend
dress is a loose fit with voluminous sleeves, but comes with a tassel belt to bring it in nicely at the waist if you want more shape.
The embroidery also features on a shorter bright green tunic, a blouse and a pair of fabulous loose-fitting trousers.
Boden has a fantastic selection too, including the monochrome design below, as do Next and Zara. An essential for your summer wardrobe.