Victoria Yakusha, a Ukrainian architect and designer, showcased her talent at Miami Design 2023 by unveiling her captivating collection, The Land of Light. The event marked the debut of this exceptional collection, with each piece serving as a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring power of inner light during challenging times.
Crafted against the backdrop of a full-scale war and the collapse of external support, The Land of Light emerged as a symbol of hope and faith in goodness when it was needed most. “In moments when your world crumbled, and everything you built was falling apart, you realized that you could only rely on the light within yourself,” Yakusha shared. “Once you found even a glimmer of light within, it began to grow. When your inner light was full, you started illuminating the path for others. United, the Land of Light was born.”
The collection serves as a series of guides designed to navigate through darkness, with each creation possessing a unique superpower. Among them are:
Dovhovukh, “The Long-Eared One”: With a name rooted in the Ukrainian word for ‘longer ear,’ Dovhovukh serves as a vigilant guide, offering discernment in various situations. Whether purifying the atmosphere or illuminating the way, his contributions are essential.
Sontsehryv, “The Sun-Warming One”: Radiating joy and warmth, Sontsehryv bathes individuals in clarity. As a true sunbeam, this entity adds luminosity to one’s path, guiding with an ever-present glow.
Shvydkonih, “The Quick-Legged One”: Symbolizing agility, Shvydkonih promotes swift reactions, accelerating the journey to clarity.
Neboshyj, “The Sky-Sewing One”: Offering unparalleled foresight, Neboshyj, the sky-sewer, brings foresight into the realm of possibility, allowing individuals to glimpse the future of their path and its clarity.
The Land of Light continues the designer’s commitment to eco-friendly, 100% natural materials. Crafted from Yakusha’s signature blend of ZTISTA—a fusion of cellulose, clay, flax fiber, wood chips, and biopolymer—the collection not only embodies a sustainable design ethos but also forges a stronger bond with nature.
“In Miami, we received numerous pieces of feedback, and everyone embraced the collection enthusiastically. Many felt a powerful energy from our creators,” Yakusha says. “Everyone wanted to touch, stroke, and interact with them. Some even shed tears as they realized it was a personal experience of a Ukrainian and that it was about the journey through darkness as an experience.”
Photography by Dima Kutsenko.
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