Ukrainian DNA - The Nation Project
The Nation Project is one of the largest, most famous and most beautiful projects about the authentic clothing of Ukraine! The Nation Project showcases ethnographically collected costumes, the beauty of Ukrainian people, historical heritage and educational work for future generations - and a lot more.
The producer of the project, Ksenia Malyukova says, that her first vyshyvankys (embroidered shirts) were a gift from a friend who signed the card with the words: "Maybe they will be useful to you!” That gift was the beginning of the Nation Project and the start of Mrs. Malyukova love for authentic Ukrainian clothes. Currently, her collection includes more than 150 Ukrainian costumes from all over Ukraine, except Crimea.
This year I was very lucky to take part in two incredible projects involving authentic Ukrainian clothes. The first one was the 2021 Ukrainian Heritage Calendar by the community of Ukrainian San Antonio and the second one was the Nation Project.
Pages from the 2021 Ukrainian Heritage Calendar.
I was a little worried to meet Mrs. Malyukova because I heard she is a tough cookie to deal with. When I went to her house for the first time, I met a stern, business-only lady. After very little interaction, and a successful photo shoot, Mrs. Ksenia approached me and gave me a big hug and a kiss on a cheek. I would’ve not expected that at all! I saw glitter and little devils dancing in her eyes. Just like a child who get its way.
And then, I realized who this mysterious Mrs. Ksenia Malyukova was. She is a real Ukrainian woman with flair, a cheerful disposition, that will stop at nothing to achieve her goal, and at the same time she can be very caring and sensitive. A strong woman with a character and strong convictions! And that’s exactly who it takes to make a project like The Nation happen and succeed. I would have not expected anything less from a woman like her!
Mrs.
Ksenia Malyukova
Founder and producer of the Nation Project.