Yulia Yefimtchuk Spring 2018 Is Female Empowerment In a Post-Soviet World

Yulia Yefimtchuk is a young Ukrainian designer, building a strong fashion presence with her conceptual womanswear – presenting clothes as an art to explore social and political issues in modern society.

Her Spring 2018 collection is characteristically minimalist and utilitarian, with strong unisex cuts and bold cyrillic slogans. An oversized blazer is teamed with work trousers and sneakers; a clean-cut shirt pairs with a tiered pleated skirt; an elastic-waisted garment is the lovechild of a rain mac and an oversized dress. The references marry past, present and future in one androgynous black, red and khaki post-soviet fell swoop. “Black is a symbol of confidence and force; red – love, happiness and joy; white – peace.” Yulia Yefimtchuk screams female empowerment without relying on overt femininity.

“The female body is very sensitive and I want to protect it. I really don't like the idea of showing sexuality; I think that's vulgar. I prefer to keep the body's sexuality hidden, where you can only see it through the burning in a person's eyes, by the strong silhouette of their clothes. By creating these kinds of clothes, I'm trying to show a woman's interesting inner world,” Yefimtchuk tells i-D.

Slide through our favorite looks from the Kiev Fashion Week Spring 2018 show above.