Gunia, a Ukrainian fashion and design brand, has been making waves with its unique approach to preserving and reinventing traditional craft and material traditions. In 2019, the brand launched a Christmas tableware collection featuring white ceramic pieces adorned with cherubs and lambs, motifs deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture and religious imagery. This collection was presented to Pope Francis by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to the Vatican in 2020, symbolizing Ukraine's commitment to both maintaining and innovating its cultural heritage.
The brand's name, Gunia, is derived from a traditional Ukrainian wool coat, showcasing their connection to the country's material traditions. Gunia's 'universe' is a fusion of nine artisanal techniques: blown glass, weaving, embroidery, wood carving, ceramics, silver and bead jewelry, knitting, and basketry. This diverse range of skills is brought together to create objects that carry memory, meaning, and a deeper connection to culture.
Natalia Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, the founders of Gunia, had a traditional background in the fashion industry. However, their passion for objects that carried cultural significance led them to embark on a journey of research. They visited museums, studied archives, traveled across Ukraine, and met artisans, uncovering the wealth of knowledge, beauty, and complexity within traditional culture. This shift in perspective transformed their approach to design, prioritizing meaning over novelty.
Gunia's collaboration with artisans and craftspeople is a dynamic process. They work with over 150 Ukrainian craftspeople, artisans, workshops, and manufacturers, each with their own unique approach. The collaboration often involves a dialogue, where artisans contribute technical expertise, suggesting adaptations that enhance the final object while preserving the essence of the craft. This process is crucial for Gunia, as they strive to reinterpret traditional crafts rather than reproduce them, creating new objects that are both culturally rooted and contemporary.
The brand's commitment to preserving traditional crafts while bringing them into the modern world is a delicate balance. They aim to ensure that these techniques continue to live, evolve, and be passed on to future generations. By integrating traditional crafts into contemporary design, Gunia hopes to make these practices more accessible and relevant, fostering a new generation of craftspeople and keeping these traditions alive.
