Insider: Maria and Veronika from Nyni

Despite the fact that Ukraine is currently at war, its cities continue to live. Even when days and nights in Kyiv sometimes become frightening and dangerous, our wonderful people continue to work, create brands and new cultural projects, go to theatres, raise children, fall in love, and live life to the fullest.

On behalf of Maria and Veronika, founders of the Nyni brand, we would like to share our favourite places and weekend routes in Kyiv — our hometown, where we grew up and where we now create the pieces of Nyni.

If you are visiting the city for a short time, Sophia Hotel is a wonderful place to stay, located in the very center of Kyiv in a historic building. On the ground floor is Marko Cafe, where you can enjoy delicious food. During the warmer seasons, a terrace opens in a walnut garden within the hotel grounds. You simply have to try the nalysnyky with cherry and poppy seeds, as well as the red borscht with smoked pear.

An essential part of any visit is a walk through the city. We recommend staying around the Golden Gate area, where you can visit local Ukrainian designer showrooms, cultural galleries, and places with great coffee and food. The Nyni showroom is also nearby at 24 Striletska Street, and our team will be happy to welcome you and tell you more about the brand.

In the evening, to relax and feel like a local, head out for a glass of natural wine at Pure & Naive or Zigzag. It is always lively, delicious, and friendly there, but it is better to reserve a table in advance.

When an air-raid siren sounds in the city, warning of danger, people must leave everything behind and go to a shelter (often a metro station or underground parking). The alarm often comes at night, interrupting sleep, but eventually a new day arrives. We see our beautiful city in the soft morning light, and life continues: fresh coffee is brewed, breakfast is prepared, and a new day begins. It feels as if life has never been so vivid, valuable, and astonishing.

If you feel tired of the city and long to spend some time alone with nature, we suggest going to Vytachiv, a village in the Kyiv region near Trypillia. Here, surrounded by trees and wild landscapes, you will find a truly special place with breathtaking views of the Dnipro hills and cliffs.

However, if you choose to stay in Kyiv, Sunday can begin with an early morning in the city. We recommend waking up early to enjoy the quiet and calm of the morning city by beginning your day with a walk along Landscape Alley. From there, a beautiful view opens over Kyiv — a place filled with strong energy where you can truly feel the greatness of the city. You can also walk to Volodymyrska Hill and descend through Andriivskyi Descent or take the funicular down to Podil.

For breakfast and freshly brewed coffee, visit Spelta, Bakehouse, or Mirali. Sourdough bread, butter, and pastries are the foundation of a perfect Sunday morning.

“In Kyiv there are many exhibitions and performances, and talented artists constantly inspire us. I am happy to see how Ukrainian culture is developing now, and each time I look forward with excitement to what comes next — new exhibitions, the Franko Theatre and the Molodyi Theatre are my favourites, MYR performances, the Honchar Museum with its many events, and Mystetskyi Arsenal.” — Veronika Batan

We deeply love our hometown and are grateful every day for the opportunity to create here. Our hand-knitting artisans, team, and production are all based in Ukraine. We are happy to share our work beyond Ukraine, to tell the story of our talented people and culture, and to bring attention back to the cultural context that is often overshadowed by the news. We want the world to know that Ukraine is full of creative, kind, and talented people.

Shop the SS26 Nyni collection here ►