Gunia Project is a brand of exceptional objects rooted in Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Each collection begins with ethnographic research. We explore traditional techniques, visual language, and symbolism, delve into museum archives, and work closely with artisans across the country. Our goal is not to replicate tradition, but to reinterpret it, preserving its essence while placing it in a new, relevant context. Every piece starts with an idea inspired by folk art and develops into a design that feels both contemporary and deeply grounded.

The brand works across more than 12 product categories, bringing together 9 artisanal techniques: blown (guta) glass, weaving, embroidery, wood carving, ceramics, silver and bead jewellery, knitting, and basketry.

We collaborate with more than 150 artisans from across Ukraine, supporting local production, manual craft, and long-standing traditions.

Gunia Project is a cultural ambassador of Ukraine. Our products were presented to the Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Brigitte Macron, Boris Johnson, Kelly Rutherford, Kylie Jenner, Lily Collins and many more outstanding figures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented our Christmas plate to Pope Francis in Vatican City.

Through our ethnographic research, we are constantly looking for new ways to modernize the tradition. Each product begins from an inspired concept of Ukrainian folk art while holding fast to the integrity and visual heritage of Ukrainian culture. Designs are reimagined from traditional elements with a new bold creative approach.

Paying homage to the authentic arts and crafts, we manifest our own contemporary artistic vision, Based on this synthesis arises the timelessness of symbolic, naive handcrafted objects.

Natalia & Maria

creative directors and co-founders of Gunia Project

The brand’s name GUNIA comes from a traditional handcrafted wool coat from the Carpathian Mountains. It gave the brand its name, Gunia, as a tribute to the first collection we created.

Since then, the gunia has become a symbol of what we stand for: a deep respect for craft and heritage, and a commitment to reimagining cultural memory into contemporary form.

“Project” in our name reflects an ongoing journey — a process of research, experimentation, and the creation of meaningful design objects rooted in tradition.

The brand’s name GUNIA comes from a traditional handcrafted wool coat from the Carpathian Mountains. It gave the brand its name, Gunia, as a tribute to the first collection we created.Since then, the gunia has become a symbol of what we stand for: a deep respect for craft and heritage, and a commitment to reimagining cultural memory into contemporary form.

“Project” in our name reflects an ongoing journey — a process of research, experimentation, and the creation of meaningful design objects rooted in tradition.

History

Gunia Project was founded by designers Natalia Kamenska and Maria Gavryliuk, who met while working in the fashion industry. The project began with ethnographic expeditions across Ukraine — discovering traditional crafts, meeting local artisans, and exploring museum archives and making a deep research of cultural heritage of different Ukrainian regions.

The first object created was the gunia, a traditional Carpathian coat, handwoven from sheep’s wool. It became a symbol of the brand and gave it its name.

Afterwards came the first collections: silk scarves inspired by embroidered towels from the archive of the Ivan Honchar Museum, and a clothing and accessories line, including a scarf inspired by vytynanka, a traditional paper-cutting technique. Over time, it became one of GUNIA’s most recognisable items.

In 2019, the founders decided to turn what had been a passion project into a brand that could translate heritage into contemporary design, making traditions a part of everyday life. The first collection of the brand included naive icon-inspired ceramics, guta glass, and silk scarves, presented at the National Museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art.

“I’ve always been drawn to objects with history: things that carry meaning, memory, or ritual. Reinterpreting them, giving them new form, and placing them in unexpected contexts has always felt natural to me like turning carpets into coats.

Working with cultural heritage has long been a part of how I think and create, so it was only natural that this fascination eventually took shape through GUNIA”

Natalia Kamenska,
creative director and co-founder of Gunia Project

Philosophy and Mission

Gunia Project began with ethnographic exploration of Ukrainian cultural heritage — with a desire not only to preserve it, but to share it with the world.

Our inspiration lies in naive art, iconography, traditional craftsmanship, folk symbols, and ritual practices. Every collection starts with ethnographic research: we explore museum archives, speak with artisans, and delve into the origins, meanings, and techniques behind each object — reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens.

The brand’s philosophy is rooted in continuity. We collaborate with master artisans who pass down their knowledge through practice and tradition.These are the stories we tell through ceramics, wood, woven and knitted textiles, blown glass, embroidered accessories, wickerwork, and jewelry.

We believe in the power of objects to carry memory — to be treasured, passed down, and lived with. Much like the tradition of dowry, where each item held meaning, our pieces are created with intention and soul.

Our approach to sustainability is deeply connected to the essence of craft. We work with natural materials, produce in small batches, and support traditional techniques and local artisans across Ukraine.

For us, respect for culture cannot exist without care for people, communities, and the environment. That’s why social responsibility is an integral part of our work. Since 2022, we’ve initiated and supported over 30 projects — from charitable collaborations and limited collections to cultural and community-driven initiatives. Each one is rooted in the same values: preserving heritage, helping restore what’s been damaged by war, supporting animals, and standing with those who defend the country.

Gunia Project’s mission is not only to reimagine culture, but to shape a new kind of heritage. We want traditions to live on, not behind glass, but in the present.