People

Wings of Cumbia : Colombian Tradition Takes Flight on the Fashion Runway

Q1. Could you tell us more about the traditional Ukrainian attire, Vyshyvanka?
"Vyshyvanka is Ukraine's traditional clothing, and it is much more than just an outfit—it is a significant symbol of our identity and culture. It is primarily worn during national celebrations like Independence Day, Language Day, and Vyshyvanka Day. This attire has taken on an even more profound meaning as a symbol of preserving our culture.
What makes Vyshyvanka special is its intricate embroidery, which varies by region and tradition. These patterns often carry symbolic meanings and reflect the wearer’s origins and personal stories. Nowadays, Vyshyvanka has been reinterpreted into modern designs and is frequently worn as everyday clothing, allowing us to stay connected to our roots in daily life."
Also, Vyshyvanka has different color by region. For example, eastern region has dark color, and western region has bright color. Plus, they have decoration to put on, that can be also shows the region. Those kind of feature shows some kind of symbol.

Q2. What motivated you to participate in the fashion show, and how did you prepare for it?
"This fashion show was a valuable opportunity to share my culture. Wearing traditional Ukrainian attire on stage was an incredibly special experience for me. To prepare, we spent a week rehearsing for three hours every day after completing four hours of Korean language classes. One of the most enjoyable parts of the preparation was crafting the traditional floral headdress, Vinok, with my friends."

Q3. What was the most memorable moment during the fashion show?
"The warm encouragement I received from professors and friends stands out as the most memorable. I was really nervous before stepping on stage, but the professors told me, 'Don’t try to be perfect, just enjoy yourself.' Their words were a great comfort and allowed me to feel confident and enjoy the performance."
Also, I can feel organizers and participants dedication. The preparation stage left the biggest impression on me. We felt huge support from teachers and mentors. We managed to understand each other and it's mostly thanks to our Korean language course we are currently participating. I'm genuinely grateful for the warmth and encouragement we received through all the experience on the stage.

Q4. How would you summarize your experience of participating in the fashion show?
"This fashion show went beyond cultural introduction; it became a precious opportunity to understand and connect with others. Experiencing various cultures in Korea while sharing my own was truly rewarding. For our country, which is currently at war, events like this underscore the importance of preserving and celebrating our culture."