
For a fair few months I have been Insta-stalking a Ukranian designer called Vita Kin.
Her collection – called Vyshyvanka by Vita Kin – is based on Slavic traditional dresses and ethnic embroidery, but updated in luxe linen fabrics, embroidery and bold colour combinations, including neon pink.
Already spotted on the likes of Leandra Medine and Anna dello Russo, they are, quite simply, my dream summer dresses.

Images: Instagram.com/Vyshyvanka By Vita Kin | Pinterest
My Insta-stalking actually included WhatsApp’ing Vita herself to ask how I could get my hands on one, followed up by messaging two stores in Kiev and Moscow who stocked the design. Everyone was incredibly helpful and lovely – it was just the small matter of stumping up around £1100 that put a full stop on my cyber-shop.
At the Matches Fashion press day last week, it was announced that they would be stocking Vita’s Vyshyvanka pieces from this Autumn – although despite the fact they would be on UK soil, the prices would certainly be out of reach for the majority.

And during this round of press days, I started chatting to a stylist who was wearing a blouse by a Romanian brand with a similar feel – and while still a few hundred pounds, nowhere near as expensive as the Vyshyvanka.
So while I can’t find any dresses that match the level of detail as Vita’s, I have noticed a few high street stores have gone for the distinctive ethnic embroidery.
Here’s my pick of the best.
Comments ( 10 )
Lucy Mitchell
LOVE these! I think if the dresses are full length and can be belted they are totally wearable for the more mature among us. Sadly it seems that Mango etc are only doing tunic-ey dresses and blouses in the style. And love your coloured sole birks – I’ve been humming and hawing over getting the yellow Gizehs with the blue sole. What about clogs? I’ve just invested in a pair and they are very comfy, but did take a little getting used to. Do you think they are taking an ethnic-look step too far?
Erica
They’re lovely aren’t they? I know what you mean, they seem to be restricted to beach wear and I’d love a midi length dress that I would wear – erm, every day! I did just buy a gorgeous long kaftan style (no embroidery, but a lovely brick colour) from H&M that I could belt, but sadly I can’t link as it’s not online any more. Check out Swedish Hasbeens for cool clogs – something metallic or tan would look great with the boho vibe xx
Jessi Malay
Great post!
Love your picks, perfect for summer!!
=)
Xxo
Jessi Malay
http://www.mywhitet.com/
Erica
Thanks Jessi! Hope you treat yourself! X
Olha
Dear Erica , please check out this Ukrainian brand foberini.com
They do beautiful linen vyshyvanka inspired dresses and the prices are very reasonable around 200 eur.
I discovered Vita Kin ages ago but yep unfortunately the prices are not for me.
Another great Ukrainian designer is KARAVAY and her ethnic inspired pieces are just out of this world but pricey as well.
I, myself of Ukrainian heritage and own few amazing embroidery dresses. I m buying them original from antique dealers and wearing them in a modern way.
Erica
Oh Ola, thank you so much! I love this. Going to check these brands out now, thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Lucy Mitchell
p.s. I was just in tx max (in Dublin) this morning and there was quite a few Antik Batik dresses in this style. I got one for €40. Beautiful cotton, plenty of length and lovely embroidery! I think the tk in the UK probably stock the same stuff?
Erica
I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon Lucy! x