Milla Nova Inherited Collection: a bridge between tradition and modernity

As Milla Nova is a Ukrainian brand with a global presence, we created a collection that aims to showcase the depth of our culture, traditions, and customs, which boast a millennia-long history.

Ukrainian wedding is an abundant celebration with numerous ceremonies, attributes, and customs each carrying profound meanings and symbols. To convey that spirit and pay homage to ancient Ukrainian traditions, we created a collection aspiring to showcase to the world the depth of our culture.

The collection includes the use of the beading technique – an ancient Ukrainian tradition of making accessories and ornaments imbued with profound symbolism that we integrated into the modern landscape.

Every woven component featured in the collection is Infused with geometric and floral patterns emblematic of Ukrainian traditional style and is meticulously crafted by hand.

Wedding attire and accessories in Ukraine have historically been vibrant in color – drawing inspiration from the vivid hues of herbs and flowers, yet we offer a modern reinterpretation of traditional wedding wear specifically in white color.

The wedding garments were usually eclectic and richly layered because of the Ukrainian custom of having weddings in the fall after the harvest. Hence, our new collection is multi-layered and accentuated with a variety of accessories.

This is a headdress – a wreath – that holds a significant place as a mandatory symbol, representing purity and the transition into the role of a wife. In homage to tradition, we have crafted a replica of the ancient wreath, historically fashioned from wax and paper, such as this headpiece from 19th century.

This is a distinctive beaded necklace, known as Lemkivska Kryza, traditionally crafted with needle and thread. It has a fascinating history: in ancient times, girls lacked needles, resorting to painstaking efforts using horse hair instead of threads. While historically colored, we have chosen to reinterpret it in a pristine white hue.

To convey the spirit and pay homage to ancient Ukrainian traditions, we shot our campaign at the backdrop of the mystic and mesmerizing Carpathian mountains, capturing a myriad of rituals and integrating them into the modern landscape.

Please note, that we captured only a fraction of the traditions, recognizing the impossibility of fully encapsulating the depth and grandeur of Ukrainian wedding traditions.

Getting ready

The night before the wedding, a bachelorette celebration was held, as a symbol of farewell to girlhood. During this gathering, the bride and bridesmaids intricately wove and adorned a symbolic "tree branch," along with crafting wreaths to be worn by both the bride and groom. Songs, dances, and dinner accompanied the ritual. On the same day, women baked a loaf of bread – korovai. When the wreath and branch were ready, the bride and the girls went to invite everybody in the village to the wedding. At the bachelor party, a saber was made instead of a wedding wreath, which was also brightly decorated. After that, the groom’s side was invited to the celebration.

On the wedding day itself, the bridesmaids placed the woven wreath, created the previous evening, upon her head and performed the ceremonial washing of the bride, using pure water or infusing it with special herbs and honey. This act symbolized not only purification but also the bride's readiness for the auspicious journey into her new life.  

The Gate

The bride is ready. So as the groom. The groom sets off to the bride with the so-called "train" – guests from his side. On the way to the bride, there were “fights” – when the groom had to pay money and treat those who stopped him. The young man's train stopped in front of the closed gate, where it all began.

The ‘’gate’’ is the ancient tradition of bride-price negotiation. The name originates from blocking the bride's path with a table of goods. The bride’s family guards her against being "stolen", while the groom’s side must pay to marry her off.
If the groom's side doesn't pay enough, they might end up with a fake bride.

The Meeting

After the negotiation concludes and both families agree on the price, the bride may proceed to join the groom at the gate.
The bride meets her groom and pins a boutonniere, signifying that he is now taken.

The Korovai

During the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds break the korovai – a traditional sweet Ukrainian wedding bread loaf that symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is typically baked by married women from the newlyweds' families. It holds significant importance as a symbol. It is believed that the one who breaks the most pieces of the korovai will become the head of the family.

The Musicians

Musicians were a vital and very respected element of a Ukrainian wedding capable of even postponing the wedding if necessary.
Musicians are a guarantee of lively ambiance, entertainment, dancing, singing, and enjoyment, so everyone adapts to them, and not vice versa.

The Hirko

After each toast to the newlyweds, the word "Hirko" is shouted, signifying an invitation for the bride and groom to share a kiss. According to tradition, if something is perceived as "bitter," a kiss is believed to sweeten it. The repeated chanting of "Hirko" at weddings was believed to ensure a joyful life for the newlyweds, as guests symbolically lifted away their sorrows, wishing them a sweet future.

The Wedding Procession

Following the wedding ceremony, there's a formal procession where the newlyweds exit the church and proceed through the village for a celebratory feast. Accompanied by their guests, they make their way noisily through the village, ensuring everyone can appreciate their elegant attire.

Additional sources:

Photos were used from the Ivan Honchar Museum;

Mykola Bodarevskyi "Wedding", National Arts Museum of Ukraine;

Fedir Krychevskyi, "Bride", National Arts Museum of Ukraine;

Kostiantyn Trutovskyi "Wedding ransom".