The Cost of Embroidered Garments and the Rise of Street Artisans
Nadiya Vakulenko, director of the All-Ukrainian Center for Embroidery and Carpet Weaving, shared insights with Glavkom about pricing for Reshetylivka’s embroidered shirts, the phenomenon of local street craftspeople, and a one-of-a-kind dress displayed at the Council of Europe. In Reshetylivka, prices for vyshyvankas begin at several tens of thousands of hryvnias, depending on fabric quality, thread type, and the embroidery techniques employed. This region in central Ukraine has long been renowned for its textile traditions, making these garments highly sought after by collectors and cultural enthusiasts alike.
A man’s shirt embroidered in white-on-white style costs at least 15,000 hryvnias. For women’s blouses, prices start at 25,000 hryvnias, with a high-quality piece reaching 35,000 or even 40,000 hryvnias.
Nadiya Vakulenko: 'A man’s white-on-white shirt starts at 15,000 hryvnias. Women’s blouses require far more labor and feature richer ornamentation, so they begin at 25,000 hryvnias. A fine blouse can cost 35,000 or 40,000. This isn’t just a shirt—it’s a high-art creation of museum quality.'
In Reshetylivka, locals offer embroidered shirts for sale directly on the streets. Many residents previously worked at the local factory and graduated from the regional vocational school, resulting in a wealth of skilled artisans. Vakulenko noted: 'A large number of Reshetylivka residents used to work at the factory and completed our school, so we have many talented craftspeople. There are few businesses and job opportunities in Reshetylivka, so people try to earn extra income by practicing what they know. These street-sold vyshyvankas are usually no worse than those we produce at the All-Ukrainian Center for Embroidery and Carpet Weaving.'
Showcasing at the Council of Europe
The Center’s works have been presented twice in Strasbourg at the Council of Europe during the full-scale war. These exhibitions were part of the project 'Renewed, United, Integral, and Invincible Ukraine.' The centerpiece was a special dress crafted from thin, semi-transparent wool fabric. Vakulenko spent about three months developing the pattern, and five embroiderers worked on the dress for half a year.
Nadiya Vakulenko: 'This dress is made from a delicate, semi-transparent wool fabric. The woman who supplies our fabrics said she traveled across half of Europe to find exactly what we wanted. I spent roughly three months designing the pattern and creating samples, and then five embroiderers worked on the dress for a full six months.'
Thus, efforts to preserve Ukrainian national clothing traditions—especially through celebrations like Vyshyvanka Day—take on new significance amid contemporary challenges and cultural initiatives. Vyshyvankas not only serve as symbols of national identity but also demonstrate the high level of skill among Ukrainian artisans in the modern world. Such events and initiatives help promote Ukrainian culture while supporting local producers facing economic difficulties.
As the tradition of embroidery flourishes in Reshetylivka, the craftsmanship behind these garments is increasingly capturing public attention. For those intrigued by the intricate techniques and cultural significance of these creations, a recent interview with a local craftswoman unveils the secrets of Reshetylivka’s unique embroidery style. Discover more about these fascinating insights and the artistry involved in producing these exquisite pieces in our detailed article.