The Ukrainian brand Gunia Project has unveiled its New Year collection of clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and decor titled 'Diverse World.' This collection offers an "authentic, naive" perspective on basic winter apparel. For example, a sweatshirt features a shaped collar, while cotton and textured knit sets are adorned with patches. A cardigan with decorative loops resembles a traditional Hutsul gunya.
Chunky sweaters showcase embroidery inspired by the wall paintings of Uman and Kamianets-Podilskyi. Each sweater is handmade, taking artisans 18 hours to create.
The decorative carvings and paintings of traditional homes inspired the patterns on embroidered shirts, which are embellished with voluminous sleeves and abundant decorations for "celebrations and special occasions."
The collection's leading motif is the symbol of the upcoming Year of the Snake in 2025. Jewelry combines silver and gold plating with colored enamel and pearls, allowing for versatile combinations, according to the brand's team.
The snake motif is also reflected in the collection's ceramics, which include cups, plates, teapots, and other dishware decorated with images of the 'Chernihiv' bow, angels, and stars—an homage to the Star of Bethlehem.
Additionally, Gunia Project has created New Year candles made from soy wax in ceramic molds featuring new scents. The 'Diverse World' collection also includes hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments shaped like characters from the drop.
The team describes the collection as reflecting the "multilayered folk cultural tradition," experimenting with techniques, forms, and colors. Despite its characteristic holiday charm, 'Diverse World' represents wonders that can be seen in the real world rather than a parallel dimension.