'Beauty and Harmony to Inspire Peace': Ukrainian Women's Creations on Display in Rome

Twelve t-shirts showcase women's ability and strength to regenerate. They speak of hope, courage, and resilience. They convey a message of beauty and universal harmony... a dream of peace realized together. There will be no shortage of emotion at the temporary exhibition "Beauty and Harmony to Inspire Peace," opening Monday, September 8th in Rome, when the creations of the all-female startup "Giove" will be previewed at Palazzo Valentini. This will be the first exhibition of a fashion startup founded by Ukrainian women, whose story was born from the ashes of the war that has been raging since 2022 and from the very concept of reconstruction: of life and a new beginning.

The exhibition, open until September 19th, is promoted by the Donne For Peace Ets Association and organized under the patronage of the Metropolitan City of Rome. The exhibition is curated by Camilla Bolfe, and features photographic works by Davide Valente. This creative journey was made possible by the collaborative efforts of an international team that combined professionalism and vision: from the inspiration and passion of artist and embroiderer Firych Uyana to the equally passionate visual and graphic design of Anouk Rapaport, Davide Piras, and Sara Verdone. In attendance to welcome the project and share a vision for peace in Europe and around the world, will be representatives of institutions and academies, members of the voluntary sector, and figures from the worlds of entertainment, art, fashion, and business, along with representatives of the Ukrainian and foreign communities in Italy.

"In a historical moment marked by profound fractures and conflicts, initiatives like this remind us of the power of beauty, art, and fashion as tools for dialogue and reconstruction," emphasized Mariano Angelucci, President of the Tourism, Fashion, and International Relations Commission of Rome Capitale and Councilor of the Metropolitan City of Rome. "It is an honor to support a project that not only celebrates female talent but promotes a universal message of peace, hope, and empowerment. These women, with their creative strength, demonstrate that independence and rebirth also come through art, work, and the sharing of values."

"Small scattered fragments, sparks of fire crackling in the night. Isolated visions flickering in the darkness...", declared Volha Marozava, president of Donne for Peace and one of the founders of the startup, at the event's opening. "I simply try," she continues, "to bring together every manifestation of the purity and authenticity these creations convey and share them with everyone so they can regain their true value. A value that expresses commitment, mutual support, and uniqueness." "For me, embroidery is a passion that comes to life in every stitch. It's an inner world that I choose to share with people," Firych Uyana clarified. "After the war began," she continues, "Italy became my inspiration: it brought me back to myself, to my talent, allowing me to immerse myself again and, through beauty, to reveal the depth of emotions capable of touching anyone's heart."

Combining Made in Italy craftsmanship and ancient Ukrainian tailoring traditions with inspiration and techniques from diverse countries and cultures, the creatives behind 'Giove' are refugee women who found a haven in Italy, overcoming their pain. "I placed the camera on Ulyana's workbench," explains Davide Valente. "The colored beads," he adds, "were already scattered, ready to be selected and embroidered by her skilled hands. She smiled, and I asked her what made her happy about the Donne for Peace project. The artisan's eyes lit up... there was love in her words. At that point, I started shooting." "These women's memories are vivid; the photographer chose black and white to capture a moment that tells a story of rebirth, of mistakes as creative opportunities, and of the resilience of extraordinary women entrepreneurs," concludes Camilla Bolfe.