Exclusive charity vyshyvanka from GAPTUVALNYA and NGO “Zemlyachky” – cultural armour and a symbol of strength
16 May 2024 22:30
GAPTUVALNYA and the NGO Zemlyachky presented an exclusive embroidered shirt, a symbol of cultural armour and strength, on the occasion of the Vyshyvanka Day. The project is a manifestation of deep respect and gratitude to Ukrainian women who today defend not only Ukrainian territories but also our culture.
Kyiv. Ukraine. On the occasion of the Day of Vyshyvanka, GAPTUVALNYA brand together with the NGO “Zemlyachky ” created an exclusive embroidered shirt with the symbol of the NGO “Zemlyachky”, which demonstrates female strength: a guardian, a tree of life, and the unity of women in one family.
The embroidered shirt is transforming from an element of national costume into a powerful symbol of resistance and heroism of Ukrainian women soldiers. As part of the project, defenders wearing embroidered shirts before and after performing combat missions in Donetsk region. The photographs demonstrate the importance of national symbols, Ukrainian values, and the history passed down from generation to generation.
“Vyshyvanka is our nation’s code, a symbol of the identity of the Ukrainian people, and the project’s heroines are defenders who are fighting for the future of our country and culture right now. Vyshyvanka has three main elements: a family standing up for each other, a symbol of a modern-day guardian, and a tree of life, and is a symbol of women’s unity in the fight for a free present and future,
– said Ksenia Drahaniuk, co-founder of the NGO Zemlyachky.
“Each embroidered shirt that we create in collaboration with the Zemlyachky NGO incorporates not only aesthetics, but also a deep symbolism of our common struggle for our culture, nation, and for the preservation of cultural heritage and the formation of a new one. These embroideries are the embodiment of women’s strength and courage, which is manifested by defenders every day. Through every stitch and symbol, we convey respect and support for the women who defend our land,
– said Natalia Gergeliuk, founder of the GAPTUVALNYA brand.
Photographer: Mykhailo Palinchak
Anyone can join the support of women on the frontline, as 100% of the sales of the embroidery will be donated to the NGO Zemlyachky for sewing women’s tactical uniforms for Ukrainian defenders. You can buy an embroidered shirt at
The NGO Zemlyachky provides women in the Ukrainian Defence Forces with women’s military uniforms (which they sew themselves), armour protection, ammunition, psychological support and rehabilitation for current defenders and veterans. It tells about women on the frontline, supporting and promoting the culture of women in the military in Ukraine and around the world. Zemlyachky NGO received the Golden Heart Award from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their significant contribution to Ukraine’s victory and an award from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Born in Ivano-Frankivsk, the embroidered clothing brand Gaptuvalnya celebrates the identity of authentic Ukrainian embroidery. Created many generations ago, the traditional patterns are much more than just a purely aesthetic component – they are a manifesto of love for Ukrainian traditions and values. Nowadays, Ukrainians need this energy more than ever: a connection with their ancestors and an awareness of their own identity can give them confidence in the future, give them hope and faith.
The embroidery studio emphasises the relevance of a traditional embroidered shirt at any occasion. By combining modern silhouettes and embroidery, the brand demonstrates that folk culture exists beyond time – it is developing before our eyes and transforming along with society.
