Burlap dresses, YAKTAK’s “tears,” and Nicholas Karma’s bow for 4,000 UAH: how the Ukrainian GALA took place in the damaged October Palace | VYTOKY
The October Palace (MCCM) on Instytutska Street recently rolled out the red carpet for its star-studded guests. At the special event Ukrainian GALA | VYTOKY, it welcomed guests in a way that only Ukraine can right now: bearing the scars of recent Russian shelling, with shattered windows and a broken roof.
Through the palace’s gaping shutters, the wind blew where the glass should have been, revealing the battered walls of the historic building. And on the other side of the empty windowpanes, like another dimension—an incredible space where beauty and the intense concentration of our authenticity reside. This contrast only underscored to the enemy: you can shatter our windows, but you cannot shatter our cultural code.
Photographers snapped photos of guests on the sidewalk, while entirely different conversations were taking place inside the Atrium itself. Here, people were getting to know each other, exchanging contact information, and greeting those who have been working for years in Ukrainian music, media, art, and the creative industries. The Ukrainian GALA felt like both a gathering of a large professional community and a classic social event.
Even the Ethno Tie dress code was interpreted in a variety of ways: some chose traditional Ukrainian accents, others opted for designer jewelry, and still others transformed their own look into a unique story about modern Ukrainian identity.
Instead of silk—burlap and reeds: a new take on Ethno Tie
The red carpet and the hall were filled with absolutely unique, original design experiments. Conceptual outfits made from unexpected ethnic materials were particularly striking. Some designers boldly integrated elements of reeds into their looks, creating incredible textured silhouettes. And dresses and suits made of authentic burlap became a real hit. So stylish and Ukrainian that, in comparison, silk and satin paled in comparison that evening. The pieces literally exuded tradition and a certain primal, wild aesthetic.
How much does your look cost? Nicholas Karma switched roles
Among those who came to support Ukrainian identity was the well-known blogger and performer Nicholas Karma, who stood out in a traditional vyshyvanka and also because he was the one asked the question “How much does your look cost?” that day.
“I bought the embroidered shirt two years ago; it cost about 1,100 hryvnias. I don’t remember how much the suit cost. I bought that three years ago, too. And the shoes were about 3,000 hryvnias. That’s it.”
Everyone interpreted the Ethno Tie dress code in their own way. Some limited themselves to ethnic accents, while others transformed their look into a near-museum exhibit of contemporary Ukrainian design. For actress Anastasia Tsymbalaru, the meaning of the event proved more important than simply stepping out onto the sidewalk that evening.
Anastasia Tsymbalaru’s talisman dress
“Ukrainian GALA | VYTOKY is another opportunity for me to highlight our Ukrainian culture, our strength, and our incredible beauty. It’s important that, even in such difficult times, we don’t stop promoting Ukrainian culture through fashion, music, acting, and art. It’s incredibly nice to be here in an outfit that’s unusual for me and among such people.”
Especially for this event, the Ukrainian brand created a special look for the actress featuring handmade jewelry.
“It’s about lightness, femininity, and jewelry—a talisman. Honestly, I feel very out of my element because the dress is quite sheer; perhaps that’s what brings out my more feminine side.”
An important part of Ukrainian GALA was an intimate ceremony honoring those who hold our cultural and creative front. The first special Ukrainian GALA’26 statuettes were presented to people who have spent years creating, promoting, and defending all things Ukrainian: Oleksandr Zlotnyk, Maksym Husak, Anzhela Norboeva, YULI, Oksana Skibinska, Gena Vitr, Pavlo Shylko, Alona Mozgova, and Yuriy Andrushchenko. The audience gave a special round of applause for “Cultural Assault”—Mykhailo Oliinyk received the award for the project.
The symphonic “Vodograi” and tears on the platform: how legendary songs were given new life
And then the palace was enveloped in musical magic—the grand concert “VYTOKY: Legends of Ukrainian Song.” The program’s producers, Anna Gagarina and Alina Reshetar, together with the evening’s hosts, Oleksiy Dontsov and Kateryna Stashko, did something that gave everyone goosebumps: they presented iconic Ukrainian classics in a fresh, modern way.
Thanks to the magnificent performance by the National Presidential Orchestra, legendary compositions that have shaped several generations were given a new symphonic life. The orchestra performed “Vodogray,” “Stozhary,” and “I Will Go to the Distant Mountains.” The orchestra reimagined every note in “The Water Flows,” “To My Beloved,” “The Land,” “The Enchanted Violin,” “Invite Me Into Your Dreams,” “Where Are You Now,” “Roses on the Platform,” and “Cheremshina.” YAKTAK performed the capital’s anthem, “How Can I Not Love You, My Kyiv,” as an encore.
“From March through the end of May, we had a big tour of Europe,” said Yaroslav (YAKTAK), “concerts every day; we managed to visit many beautiful places and beautiful countries. I hadn’t been in Ukraine for almost three months. We were returning home, and our train was greeted upon arrival with the song ‘My Kyiv.’ I cried… It was a poignant moment. And today, I have the honor of performing this song.”
Also performing on stage were Marta Adamchuk, GEED, LAUD, YAKTAK, Mila Nitich, Olya Tsybulska, Nikita Kiselov, MONOKATE, David Maskisa, Vira Kekelia, and Viki Rose.
The Philosophy of Krolevets Towels and the Silence of the Enlightened
“Vytoky” is not about a one-time event at all, but about the start of a new great tradition. The main idea of the project is to bring together people who are creating modern Ukrainian culture here and now, and to build strong institutions. To build despite everything, even in the most difficult times, when walls are crumbling all around. Olga Sumska also spoke about the significance of such events during wartime.
“Vytoky” is about respect and love for Ukrainian artisans in any form. When we see our brands on the red carpet, our spirits soar. I represented the “Vytkani” brand. This is Sumy region, Krolevets towels, thousands of meters of handwoven fabric. I didn’t hesitate for a second about which brand to choose when I received the offer from Ukrainian GALA | VYTOKY. I sincerely thank the organizers for the opportunity to join such a creative, inspiring mission to showcase Ukrainian designers.”
However, not all guests that evening expressed their emotions in words. The insightful blogger Antonina Nosova is one of those people who say more with a glance than with long monologues. What does Ukrainian GALA | VYTOKY mean to her? The question was asked, and the answer was shown.
And all around was the October Palace, still reeling from the enemy shelling.
It was right there. As the embodiment of Ukrainian culture, which exists today not in spite of the war and not after it. But right in the midst of it.
