On August 8–9, 2026, a large-scale cultural phenomenon unfolded in Kyiv at the Expo (VDNG) grounds — the festival «Viriy. Prostonеba». The event, which united Ukrainian ethnic music, electronic sets, theatrical performances, and visual arts, became not only a platform for creativity but also a runway for the boldest fashion experiments. Festival guests turned into living canvases, where every look told a story about the connection with nature, traditions, and modernity.
Ethno-chic as a new aesthetic: from corsets to fringe
One of the brightest figures at the festival was an actress who arrived with her son. Her outfit became the embodiment of authentic boho-chic: a semi-transparent nude corset, white shorts, an open skirt with long fringe, high leather boots, and a voluminous headdress. A shell pendant and natural makeup completed the look — a combination that fit perfectly into the atmosphere of «Prostonеba».
Victoria Maremukha chose a more delicate path: a coffee-with-milk colored bra, a white midi skirt made of textured fabric, a voluminous shawl, and an elegant headband. This look became a symbol of refinement and femininity, emphasizing that the ethno-style can be both bold and romantic.
Music stars and their visual manifestos
The lead singer of the band KAZKA appeared in a loose olive-colored blouse with voluminous ruffles and a long black skirt. A massive silver necklace became the accent that turned her look into a real art object. The artist, however, chose a stylish total black look: a cropped jacket, t-shirt, shorts, chunky shoes with white socks, silver chains, a crossbody bag, and a white cap — all of this created a contrast between strictness and freedom.
Fashion bloggers and models: drama, ethno, and glamour
A fashion blogger bet on dramatic boho-chic: an exquisite black dress with a deep neckline, a long skirt, a leather belt on the hips, a twisted spear necklace, and expressive makeup. Alina Frendiy demonstrated a bright total white look: a white corset, short shorts, one leg warmer, gloves, an elegant handbag, and white feathers in her hair — ethnic color in every element.
Blogger and model Anna chose ethno-glamour: a short white dress, a milky-colored cape, massive gold jewelry — beads, belt, bracelets — and shoes on a massive woven platform. Her look became a symbol of luxury inspired by folk motifs.
A family legend: «Bila Mavka, Chorniy Voron i Zorya»
The producer visited the festival together with his wife Irina, daughter Diana, singer Maryana Romas, and the Foxlab label team. The basis of their looks was the family fashion legend «Bila Mavka, Chorniy Voron i Zorya», created by stylist Serhiy Pastukhov and makeup artist Yelena Zamriy. The producer and businessman demonstrated a relaxed ethno-casual look: a light linen shirt with a wrap and belt, wide gray-brown jeans, sandals, black sunglasses, and a colorful wooden comb pendant around his neck.
Contradictory data
Although most sources confirm that the festival took place on August 8–9, 2026, some participants on social media mention the dates of August 7–8. There are also discrepancies in the description of some looks: for example, one source calls the actress's skirt «open», while another calls it «with slits». The XAB.info editorial team adheres to the official information from the festival organizers and Wave RBC.UA, but acknowledges the possibility of inaccuracies in user-generated content.
Conclusion: the festival as a platform for cultural dialogue
«Viriy. Prostonеba» became not just a musical event, but a space where fashion, art, and traditions intertwined into a single flow. Ukrainian stars showed that the ethno-style is not about costumes, but about philosophy, freedom, and connection with roots. And it is precisely this that made the 2026 festival one of the most memorable events of the year.
