Treasures of the Antes: House of Lobortas Partners TONiA Collection for UFW 25-26, Celebrating Ancient Slavic Cultural Heritage
Treasures of the Antes: House of Lobortas Partners TONiA Collection for UFW 25-26, Celebrating Ancient Slavic Cultural Heritage
February 14-17, 2025
Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW) for the autumn-winter 2025/2026 season unfolded its splendour in Kyiv, presenting the new collections of 40 Ukrainian brands in a variety of formats.
This year's event, held at the new location of Mystetskyi Arsenal, carried the theme “Faith in the Future” and featured several key projects to support emerging designers.
For the very first time, House of Lobortas participated in the country's premier fashion event, collaborating with the TONiA brand showcase to unveil the exquisite “Antes' Treasures” collection. By special commission of Antonina Belinska, the seasoned artisans and artists at Lobortas breathed life into contemporary interpretations of ancient jewellery, echoing the mesmerizing Antes zoomorphic figures and fibula clasps, enhancing and adorning the new collection with unmatched elegance.
The collection by TONiA delves deeply into the essence of historical memory through the medium of fashion. Antonina Belinska, the brand's visionary creative director, drew upon the rich legacy of the Antes, ancient Slavic tribes who flourished on the lands of modern Ukraine in the V-VII centuries. She reimagined archaeological treasures from the banks of the Dnipro and Dniester rivers into refined, modern adornments. Antonina embraced the tradition of melding embellishment with utility — the jewellery not only enhances the attire but also serves as clasps and fasteners for garments, mirroring the ancient Antes’ ingenuity.
‘Naturally, this is not a mere reconstruction of authentic Antes' garbs. I have woven together modern silhouettes and materials with ancient techniques and forms. My intent is to illustrate the immense diversity and richness of culture in Ukraine, blossoming a millennium ago,’ stated Tonia.
The Antes' Treasures collection stood as a crowning jewel of Ukrainian Fashion Week, receiving high praise from fashion critics, thematic publications, and the captivated audience alike. TONiA autumn-winter 2025/26 serves as a profound reflection on the connection between generations, honouring the heritage of traditions and their transformation within the tapestry of contemporary fashion.
Website links:
Harper's Bazaar Ukraine | Cosmopolitan Ukraine | ELLE Ukraine