The capsule collection BOBKOVA × SCHEIDEMANN represents a collaboration between Ukrainian designer Kristina Bobkova and photographer Anna Scheidemann, inspired by the rich heritage of Hessische Trachten, the traditional costumes of the German region of Hessen.
Developed over the course of a year, the project resulted in 30 unique handmade pieces that reinterpret historical garments in a contemporary fashion language while preserving the distinctive elements of the original Tracht, intricate embroidery, vibrant fabrics, and characteristic accessories.
Anna Scheidemann’s long-term research into Hessian traditional costumes began after moving from Ukraine to Germany. Fascinated by the visual language and cultural depth of Trachten, she documented traditional Catholic and Evangelical costumes in the Marburg-Biedenkopf region of Middle Hessen, building a photographic archive that later became the conceptual foundation for this collaboration.
The project took shape when designer Kristina Bobkova temporarily relocated to Marburg following the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine. The two long-time friends combined their artistic visions and began studying historical garments from Middle Hessen through books, exhibitions, and museum archives.
Together they developed a collection that connects German regional costume traditions with contemporary design sensibilities, while also reflecting Bobkova’s long-standing engagement with Ukrainian traditional clothing, particularly the vyshyvanka.
The capsule collection was presented on May 31, 2023, in Berlin during an exclusive press preview at SO/ Berlin Das Stue Hotel.
BOBKOVA × SCHEIDEMANN celebrates the cultural heritage of Hessen and demonstrates how traditional costume can be reinterpreted for a modern audience while preserving its historical identity.