THE MEREZHYVO COLLECTION IS INSPIRED BY THE WOODEN ARCHITECTURE OF CHERNIHIV

The MEREZHYVO collection is inspired by the wooden architecture of Chernihiv, which, with its exquisite carved ornaments, resembles delicate lace. These single-story houses, built from wooden logs, covered with wooden shingles, and adorned with decorative carvings, are embodiments of folk art infused with symbolism. Their whimsical patterns, reminiscent of embroidery, combined with a vibrant color palette, involuntarily evoke the image of a gingerbread house from Charles Perrault’s fairy tale.

“For me, this architecture, these bright little houses, are a true ode to individuality; they seem to conform to a general concept, yet each is unique in its own way. Every ornament, shape, size, and color combination is unlike anything else. Looking at them, you can feel the zeal and craftsmanship with which the artisans shaped this distinctive exterior. It’s a pity that this came to an end after the arrival of the Bolsheviks and the Soviet occupation, which rejected anything that could set you apart from others,” says the brand’s designer, Daria Plaksyuk.

The silhouettes of the collection continue the theme of restraint characteristic of the brand, blending minimalism with architectural geometry. The feminine dresses and skirts embody lightness and elegance, while masculine accents in the form of broad-shouldered jackets, straight trousers, and oversized bombers add structural strictness to the look. This contrasting combination of sheer blouses with decorative collars and menswear-inspired jackets reflects the duality of the modern woman’s image, which she combines in her style.

These minimalist forms are complemented by decorative elements and techniques that reflect Chernihiv’s lacework. Thus, whimsical wooden ornaments are gently woven into the collection with the designer's unique interpretation. A protective charm for a good harvest—teeth under the cornice that resemble water "flowing" onto plant ornaments—are recreated in the elongated serrated collar and decor resembling leaves. 

The decorative arch over the window, rendered in leather and combined with velvet, evokes an element of an aged wooden facade. Through cutouts in the clothing, the designer has recreated the technique of carving, which artisans in Chernihiv used to create these picturesque paper-cut designs in wood.

The playful color palette, ranging from pastel shades of milk, blue, mint, and olive to deep red, dark blue, and black, conveys the individuality each homeowner desired. Each color, like a puzzle piece, harmoniously immerses one in the world of Chernihiv architecture.

  • However, this wooden architecture, which preserves the atmosphere of calm and antiquity in the city, is gradually disappearing—either from age or at the hands of its owners. In its work, PODYH aims to emphasize the importance of preserving and recognizing the value of the heritage left to us by our ancestors.

Special thanks to the project "Wooden Lace of Chernihiv" for the provided materials and invaluable contributions to the research, preservation, and popularization of Ukrainian architectural heritage.