Ukrainian Brand BOBKOVA Presents FW25-26 Collection and Archive Exhibition Marking 25th Anniversary

This year, Ukrainian fashion brand BOBKOVA celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special archive exhibition that visually unveils the brand’s philosophy and mission, alongside the presentation of its FW25-26 collection. Founder and creative director Kristina Bobkova continues to integrate Ukrainian material culture into contemporary fashion – this time focusing on resourcefulness and the ingenuity of artisanal techniques.

The brand’s archive exhibition traces the evolution of BOBKOVA from its first Spring/Summer 2000 collection through key collections and collaborations with Ukrainian artists, culminating in the latest FW25-26. The exhibition is curated by Kateryna Libkind, who explores the development and consolidation of BOBKOVA’s philosophy through the lens of time and the brand’s signature pieces. Among the exhibits are also personal archives from the designer and her team, showcasing milestone moments in the brand’s history.

The FW25-26 collection features decorative appliqués and abstract textile panels applied to shirts, jackets, and sweaters, made from fragments of lace, silk, cotton, and wool. The embellishment techniques include artisanal voluminous embroidery using loops of varying sizes, bringing texture and craftsmanship to the forefront.

BOBKOVA continues to experiment with multifunctional clothing, extending its concept of transformable and reversible garments – such as reversible faux fur jackets with silk linings. One highlight includes a knitted dress with a shirt collar and ballet-inspired skirt that can be worn backwards: when reversed, the back slit becomes a decorative detail with button closures reminiscent of haute couture construction.

As always, the collection bears a strong influence of menswear tailoring and sartorial craftsmanship. The designer reinterprets traditional crafts within a luxury context, aligning with the brand’s commitment to ethical fashion – embracing upcycling to minimize waste and investing in artisanal skills. Reflecting this philosophy, and in collaboration with Ukrainian brands ESTRO and MON MOU, BOBKOVA created exclusive limited collections of footwear and hair accessories. These were crafted using leftover fabrics from the brand’s own production, including carpet-style embroidery – further embodying the sustainability ethos through inter-brand collaboration.

The anniversary show took place at MLYN Design Hub, an exhibition and educational space in Kyiv’s historic Podil district dedicated to contemporary Ukrainian design. The venue was a deliberate choice, as BOBKOVA has spent the past 25 years growing and evolving in Podil.