Maven watch: The luxe hippie chic of Vita Kin

Good morning, Monday. What a lovely weekend with friends. Yesterday afternoon at the East Village Standard definitely a highlight. Much to be said for late afternoon cocktails on a warm Sunday with fun people. I highly recommend it.

And while I'm busy recommending daytime drinking, I'm also going to reco an amazing new designer that all the fashion types are talking about- Vita Kin, who crafts traditional Ukrainian pieces for a discerning crowd. The most iconic is the folkloric dresses she custom makes for the likes of Leandra Medine and Alexa Chung. According to a piece in Vogue on her recent success, Kim notes “Ukrainians have a unique method of decorating clothing with embroidery, and that’s always impressed me. I adapted this ancient heritage into a modern context, adding a seventies vibe, when clothing was more relaxed and friendly. It’s a bohemian eccentricity in a very luxe execution." 

Just how luxe you ask? It's unclear, but judging from where she's selling said frocks, we're not talking "local" charm. Look for her pieces in the Fall at Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion. I'm a humble fan. I love ethnic inspired clothing- a great way to take your tired festival fashion to a whole new fabulous place. I did spot an old listing for one of her dresses and we're talking in the thousands, but perhaps we can hunt for some vintage pieces that are slightly more down to Earth when it comes to price? I am such a fan of dresses like this in the summer with sandals, and with tights and high boots and faux fur in the winter time for something that feels very vintage YSL from the 70s. There is not a wardrobe alive that can't benefit from some piece of peasant/ethnic/boho charm. It's nice, that.

Read all about the rise of Ukrainian fashion in the Vogue piece here. It's no secret the Ukraine has been in the news a lot lately, but it's nice to see that culture being celebrated by designers and making a global impact, one dress at a time. Cause that's what's up this ethnically inclined Monday in the 212. Yours, in next level boho chic. XO