Khrystyna Kurliak, Fashion Designer of Ukrainian Luxury Brand Khris K Reveals Resilience, Transformation, and Raw Beauty
Khrystyna Kurliak, the founder and a fashion designer of the Ukrainian luxury brand Khris K, has turned resilience into art, built on three pillars: resilience, transformation, and raw beauty. Khris K was launched during the war, this has given her strength to establish the brand. Founded in Khrystyna’s home country, Ukraine. Studio-production is rooted in Lviv, her dearest city, a place of courage and beauty, where each design is created and brought to life.
Founded in 2017, Khris K is a testament to timeless elegance and the power of transformation. From collections like Duodecima, born from her musical roots, to Vidvazhna and Rebirth, created amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, each piece carries a story of courage and hope.
She experienced a loving and caring childhood in Burshtyn, Western Ukraine. Her mother’s creativity, taste and style inspired her since she was a kid, her father’s courage taught her to face fear. Khrystyna was one of two children, her younger brother, Danylo, tragically passed away at the age of 17. The same year Khris K’s collection “Daniela” was born.
In February 2022, her father Petro and cousin Maksym served on the front lines. “Every day me and my family prayed to hear their voices one more time. How did they survive? Only God knows. But unfortunately, moments have the ability to repeat themselves and feel the same pain over and over, which is what happened to my cousin Maksym to this day.”
Her first creative language was music, she studied violin before hand injuries guided her toward fashion design, inspired by sketches she saw in her dreams. In 2017, she brought her first dream to life: Duodecima, a collection named after the twelfth musical interval, echoing black-and-white elegance.
Since then, Khris K has become synonymous with timeless, one-of-a-kind couture. Collections like Luce Romana, inspired by the movie Gladiator. The items from the Luce Romana’s collection were Patrician and Plebeian inspired and embellished with gold details, wheat, macrame, and embroidery. Other items showed characteristics of the main character Maximus inserted into feminine looks.
In 2019 “Daniela” collection was named to cherish the memory of Khrystyna’s brother, Danylo. Channeling grief into delicate silk.
“Vidvazhna” collection in 2022, is a tribute to nature which is deeply rooted in Ukrainian mythology. The collection portrays a brave, Ukrainian woman – a Vidvazhna woman. She is an allegory of the forest, a guardian, a Ukrainian Mavka.
In 2023 she strategically moved her team and sewing machines to Lisbon to create her new collection “Rebirth” in safety, that is how the Rebirth collection appeared. The collection is not just an exquisite haute couture collection; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and eternal spirit of a nation. The Rebirth Collection and its exhibition embodied metamorphosis – art born from ashes.
In 2024, her “Blue Bird” dress at the Cannes Film Festival turned heads and hearts, a gown inspired by a bird spreading protective wings over Ukraine’s sky.
That year, her craft stepped into cinema: Khrystyna Kurliak was chosen as costume designer for a feature film already unveiled at Cannes Film Festival this year, an experience she calls “an unforgettable first chapter in a new creative story. Blessed and grateful!”
In 2025, her designs have graced Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova, Maye Musk, Maria Zhang, Mya and others – women who, like her, embody elegance laced with steel yielding the spirit of those who create it, even in times of war.
Tell us about growing up in Ukraine and what led you to fashion design.
I had a childhood full of adventure, the kind of childhood that no longer exists. It was a time without phones, without laptops, just real life. We spent entire days outside, running around barefoot, creating games, forming friendships, making decisions on our own. Life felt incredibly safe and calm back then, so kids were free to explore without constant supervision. Those moments were pure, filled with freedom, joy, and imagination. Now, with the war in Ukraine, I call it the “stolen childhood.”
From a very young age, I was drawn to fashion. I remember being five years old, completely captivated by my dolls, rare and beautiful ones, especially my Barbies. I didn’t just play with them, I styled them. I would sneak into my grandma’s or parents’ homes, quietly searching for fabric scraps like silk, jacquard, denim, wool, anything I could find. I would hide in corners, secretly sewing with a needle and thread, trying not to get caught, because I was so small and they were afraid I’d hurt myself. But I couldn’t stop. I was designing tiny jackets, pants, dresses, adding buttons, feathers, and brooches – creating my own miniature world of fashion.
Looking back, I truly believe that freedom I had as a child in Ukraine, that space to dream and create without limits – is what shaped me as a designer. It all began there, in that imaginative, fearless space.
Your brand, KHRIS K is described as Harmony, Timeless Elegance, and Dreaminess. Share your inspiration and what sets you apart.
My inspiration is deeply rooted in contrast, the quiet strength of challenges I’ve faced and the profound beauty I experienced growing up in Ukraine. My childhood, full of freedom, exploration, and raw simplicity – immersed in nature, and shaped by pure, real moments, gave me a lifelong sense of creativity without limits. That freedom to imagine and create with no boundaries still fuels my work.
Khris K is born from this same spirit – a balance between strength and softness, elegance and honesty. The brand speaks to women who seek authenticity and individuality, and who carry both dreams and depth. My greatest inspiration comes from the inner world of a woman: her resilience, her poetic presence, and the silent power she carries. Each piece is a tribute to timeless beauty that holds meaning, and to freedom that never goes out of style.
Our hope is for women to feel free to express their individuality. We want them to feel that every look worn can be enjoyed at any time, inciting a sense of happiness and freedom no matter where they are.
What sets us apart is our commitment to exclusivity and intentional design. We work within two distinct directions in our collections:
1. Exclusive & Timeless Collections – These are one-of-a-kind pieces, with almost every garment made in a single unit. This allows our clients to know that the piece they wear is uniquely theirs – never mass-produced, never repeated.
2. Khris K Limited Editions – These are small, curated luxury collections available in a select range of sizes. They are still very exclusive, crafted in very limited quantities, but offer the flexibility for our clients to choose their size. These Khris K Limited Editions are often inspired by a specific mood, season, or story – always timeless, always with purpose.
We believe in the art of restraint – choosing quality over quantity, craftsmanship over trend. This creates a deep sense of value around each garment, allowing our clients to build a wardrobe that reflects authenticity, not algorithms.
Your mother has been a driving force. How did her creativity shape your vision for the future?
My parents have always been a quiet force in my life. Mother – a woman of deep sensitivity, intuition, and creativity. She taught me, without words, that beauty lives in the details and that everything we create should carry our soul. From a very early age, I watched her hands, the way she arranged flowers, her talent for handmade, such as embroidery etc., the way she moved through life with elegance and calm. I didn’t realize it back then, but her quiet artistry was shaping my entire perception of the world.
She supported my creativity from the beginning – from music, when I became a violinist at nine years old to design, and gave me the freedom to express myself without fear.
She shaped not just my eye, but my spirit. She is the source of strength behind the dream.
One-of-A-Kind Couture “Rebirth.”
Khrystyna unveils her latest collection as a tribute to her beloved homeland, Ukraine, during its tumultuous times. In this year of 2022, when war has cast its dark shadow upon the nation, Khrystyna’s designs become a canvas of emotions, reflecting the resilience, hope, and unity that has come to define the Ukrainian spirit.
The color palette is one of a testament to the emotions that have gripped Khrystyna’s heart. The Emerald dress reflects hope, exudes the strength of the Ukrainian people who, like an unyielding shield, stand tall amidst the chaos. This dress, adorned with metal zippers, symbolizes the courage that binds the nation together, just like the unbreakable bonds between its people.
Red and black dresses mark the transformative journey of Ukraine, mirroring the colors of a phoenix rising from the ashes. These designs represent the indomitable spirit of a nation that has faced adversity time and again, only to emerge stronger and more resilient.
The green hues pay homage to the essence of life itself, a celebration of Ukraine’s unique identity represented by the colors of its flag. The unity of blue and yellow reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope and freedom thrive within the hearts of Ukrainians.
Each stitch, each fabric, and each embellishment weaves a story of bravery and inspiration. The designs mirror the emotions that Khrystyna, as a Ukrainian, has experienced firsthand – the pain of loss, the fear of uncertainty, the love for her country, and the unwavering determination to persevere.
As you observe these masterpieces, allow yourself to be captivated by the profound message they carry. Each dress is more than just fabric and design; it embodies the collective strength of a nation that refuses to be defeated.
This collection stands as a testament to the power of art in reflecting the soul of a nation. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity can serve as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards hope, unity, and renewal.
May this powerful collection, “Rebirth” ignite a spark within your own heart, inspiring you to embrace bravery, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.
In 2024, your vision stepped into cinema. Your “Blue Bird” dress at the Cannes Film Festival turned heads and hearts. Share more!
The inspiration behind my latest creation for Elvira Gavrilova at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
In times of turmoil and war, it becomes imperative for artists to use their platforms to advocate for change and shed light on global injustices. As a Ukrainian, I feel a deep responsibility to remind the world of the ongoing war in my homeland and to express the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people through my art.
The dress I present to you today is not merely a garment; it is a poignant tribute to hope, strength, and the unwavering spirit of Ukraine. Introducing the “Blue Bird” dress, a symbol of tranquility and resilience inspired by the boundless skies that embrace our nation during these tumultuous times.
“Blue Bird” dress draws inspiration from the image of a protective blue bird covering the Ukrainian sky with its wings. In the face of adversity, this dress serves as a reminder of our collective determination to soar above challenges and embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The dress invites you to envision the gentle embrace of a bird’s wings, symbolizing protection and sanctuary amidst chaos.
Each stitch of the dress is imbued with meaning, reflecting the resilience and fortitude of the Ukrainian people. The delicate craftsmanship and intricate detailing evoke a sense of harmony and grace, inviting wearers to embody the spirit of the blue bird as they navigate the complexities of life. As we stand on the illustrious stage of the Cannes Film Festival, let us not forget the struggles endured by the people of Ukraine.
Let the “Blue Bird” dress serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity, a testament to our collective resolve to overcome adversity and embrace a future filled with peace and prosperity.
In 2025, Maye Musk graced your dress. What made this so special?
Seeing Maye Musk wear my design was an unforgettable moment. She chose my piece for a Gala Dinner with Forbes France, organized by Elledgy Media Group. Beyond the elegance she radiated in the dress, she shared beautiful, kind words about my brand, expressing admiration for its identity and craftsmanship. I was deeply touched. Maye is a woman who inspires with her intelligence, creativity, elegance, and strength. Her success is a testament to timeless beauty and resilience, so it was an absolute honor to see her in Khris K.
Another incredible individuality was with Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova, an inspiring woman, entrepreneur, and one of my cherished clients. I designed a special “Blue Bird” dress for her to wear at the Cannes Film Festival – a piece that symbolized both freedom and rebirth. At the Venice Film Festival, Elvira wore a dress from my very first haute couture collection. It was incredibly special, those first creations always carry a kind of essence that stays with you forever.
Elvira is a woman who motivates and leads with boldness and heart, and dressing her was not only a creative journey, but a personal one.
I’ve also had the honor of dressing other amazing women, including actresses Maria Zhang and Helena Caldeira, singer Mya, Adriyan Rae and others. Each collaboration represents a story – a moment where fashion becomes more than clothing, it becomes presence and identity.
What’s next?
We never stop creating, it’s our way, and truly, the only way. Whether it’s haute couture, which I continue to design at least once a year, or our evolving limited edition collections, there is always something quietly being born behind the scenes. Right now, we’re unveiling new creations that speak for themselves, piece by piece.
As for fashion weeks or other events and projects – yes, I have plans, and they’re in motion. Sometimes, it’s far more powerful to allow the work to speak first, before the words do. So I invite you to follow Khris K closely. You’ll see what happens next. Just like every true creation, it will come when it’s ready .www.khrisk.com
