The largest business forum, “Lehka Konfa 3.0”, once again brought together leading specialists, industry experts, and other representatives of the light industry in an incredible atmospheric location on the outskirts of Lviv. Among the participants were clothing and material manufacturers, designers and stylists, distributors, investors, educators, technological partners, digital specialists, representatives of the blogosphere, and related professional sectors. The event, which took place in mid-November 2025, gathered key representatives of the light industry and business to exchange knowledge, insights, professional experience, successful case studies, and visions for the future of the industry, as well as to find new partners and explore modern opportunities.
An incredible number of warm hugs, hundreds of friendly handshakes and sincere smiles, a concentration of professionalism and expert advice, and inspiring stories from entrepreneurs about challenges and victories – all of this created a special atmosphere of unity, growth, and meaningful interaction. The Forum once again demonstrated that the Ukrainian fashion industry has its own style, philosophy, and powerful voice that continues to grow stronger and shape a new image of modern Ukraine in the world.
The initiator and main partner of the event, as every year, was Softorg Company, a technological accelerator of the light industry, a leader in the sewing equipment market, and a strategic stakeholder of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
At the invitation of the organizers, representatives of the University joined this remarkable and inspiring event: Oleksandra Olshanska, Acting Rector of KNUTD, Doctor of Science in Economics, Professor; Mykhailo Kulyniak, First Vice-Rector, PhD, Associate Professor; Liudmyla Hanushchak-Yefimenko, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, Doctor of Science in Economics, Professor; Taliat Bielialov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Economic Issues, Doctor of Science in Economics, Professor; Natalia Ostapenko, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor; Olha Haranina, Head of the Department of Fashion Technology, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor; Liliia Navolska, Secretary of the Academic Council of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, PhD; Marharyta Aftandiliats, Head of the Marketing Department, PhD, Associate Professor; Tymofii Diukarev, Director of the International Institute of Academic Mobility and Cooperation; and Natalia Lesiuta, Director of the Student Center of Fashion and Creativity.
They actively promoted the KNUTD brand at the forum, establishing communication with Ukrainian manufacturers, partners, experts, educators, and participants of the fashion market. Their participation focused on strengthening educational cooperation, exchanging experience, engaging in professional discussions, searching for partnerships and opportunities for the development of educational and research projects, as well as conducting career guidance activities and presenting the university to young people.
During the Forum, there were productive meetings and active discussions between the Acting Rector of KNUTD, Oleksandra Olshanska, and the founders and representatives of leading Ukrainian brands – Baginskiy, Andreas Moskin, Yarmich, theCOAT by Katya Silchenko, Vovk, Gepur, Papaya, and Barva. The conversations focused on possible areas of cooperation with the University: student internships, dual education, the participation of brands in developing academic programs, the introduction of innovative technologies into the educational process, and the implementation of joint projects aimed at developing the Ukrainian light industry.
The brand representatives highly appreciated the level of training provided by KNUTD specialists and expressed interest in further collaboration, as the University has a strong school of design and fashion technologies that prepares competitive professionals.
It is also worth noting that during the Forum, KNUTD representatives met many university graduates who now hold key positions in the fashion industry, manage brands, develop their own production facilities, and work in the fields of design, technology, marketing, and digital solutions. These meetings confirmed the high level of specialist training at the University and the importance of quality education for the development of the industry.
A special place at the Forum was given to the “Education Alley”, which brought together educational institutions that provide training in light industry technologies. Here, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of modern Ukrainian fashion education, new programs, technological approaches, and prospects for professional growth. Side by side with KNUTD, other Ukrainian institutions were represented: Khmelnytskyi National University, Lutsk National Technical University, Kherson National Technical University, Lviv Vocational College of the Fashion Industry of KNUTD, and Kalynivka Technological Vocational College. Such broad participation of educational institutions highlighted their shared goal – the development of the light industry through innovative education, partnership, and the training of a new generation of professionals.
Over the course of two days, dozens of presentations, panel discussions, and thematic sessions took place. More than 30 top experts shared successful case studies, insights, and up-to-date solutions that help brands grow and remain competitive in challenging market conditions.
The first day of the Forum opened with a ceremonial event and greetings from distinguished guests, a symbol of support for Ukrainian business, confidence in the strength of the national light industry, and a shared desire to develop the industry together.
A well-known digital marketing expert, Yevhen Kudriavchenko, founder of Vintage Web Production and co-founder of the Ukrainian Digital Community, presented a talk on creating product value, from customer needs to strategic brand positioning. The founders of the Papaya brand discussed the brand’s philosophy, style concept, and identity building.
At the panel discussion “Online or Offline: How to Choose an Effective Sales Channel?”, representatives of InWhite, Andreas Moskin, Stimma, and O!Some, together with Andrii Yevtukh, shared their experience in combining traditional retail and e-commerce, building customer loyalty, and using digital sales tools.
Speakers of the technology block at the “Lehka Konfa 3.0” business forum – Netpeak Ukraine, DressX, LoyaltyAi, and Hesh – discussed the topic “AI, CRM, 3D: Why Brands Are Out of the Game Without Technology” and emphasized the importance of digital solutions in the modern fashion space and their impact on competitiveness. Representatives of the brand theCOAT shared their approach to creating an emotional product and the key aspects of team building.
Participants of the panel discussion “Globalization Through Localization: How to Source Quality Materials” – representatives of Barva, Maridzhani Hemp, Ribbon UA, Ammolit Plus, and Fialan – discussed issues of import substitution, local production, and logistical solutions. Special attention from the audience was drawn to the speech by Valerii Rybas, founder and CEO of the Barva sewing thread factory and a member of the educational investment and technology cluster of the light industry in Kyiv. He shared his experience in creating a full-cycle local production and emphasized the key role of high-quality Ukrainian raw materials for the stability of the fashion industry, highlighting that Barva today is not only a Ukrainian manufacturer but also a national technological partner capable of competing with global leaders.
The founders of Andreas Moskin emphasized the importance of authenticity in design, stating, “Don’t copy, create: unique design as the DNA of the brand”.
The first day concluded with the discussion “Ukrainian Fashion vs. International Corporations: How to Win the Battle for Customers”. Speaker Andrii Pyvovarov focused on the competitive advantages of Ukrainian brands and ways to stand against global players.
The second day of the Forum began with a spectacular show performance, giving guests a boost of energy, drive, and creative lightness.
The topic of Anastasiia Shmyrina’s (Ladó Agency) presentation was “Offline as the New Digital: When Emotions Have Their ROI”. Anastasiia shared her thoughts on the power of events, atmosphere, and the importance of an emotional connection with clients.
The financial block of the panel discussion covered various topics. Participants in the discussion “Grants, Investments, or Loans? Where to Find Money for Business Development?” – Raiffeisen Bank, Lova, Nika-Text Plus, Advance Finance Alliance, and fint8 – discussed capital-raising tools and real case studies of brand growth. The speaker of the HR discussion “How a Brand with Values Hires: Behind the Scenes of Gunia Project”, Dariia Tymoshenko, talked about team building and corporate culture.
A special place was held by the panel “Talent Shortage: Why Education Goes Beyond HR”, which included KNUTD Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation Liudmyla Hanushchak-Yefimenko. The discussion focused on developing the human capital of the industry, the role of universities in training highly qualified specialists, the need to modernize educational programs, and expand partnerships between business and education. Liudmyla Mykhailivna’s co-panelists were Maryna Loseva (UFEG), Olha Trubchak (Gepur), Tetiana Vovk (Vovk), and Yuliia Ohilets (KSE).
One of the most striking moments of the second day was the interview panel “Courage as the New Identity of Ukrainian Brands”. The emotional and candid discussion revealed the essence of Ukrainian entrepreneurship, which, despite the challenges of wartime, not only survives but creates, develops, transforms, and confidently asserts itself on the global stage. The speakers were Yurko Nazaruk, co-founder of !FEST Emotion Holding and the brand Aviation of Halychyna, and Anatolii Anatolich, a well-known TV host, radio presenter, and interviewer. They emphasized that courage has become a hallmark of Ukrainian business, as brands operate in conditions of unpredictability, challenge traditional models, take risks, and act faster than ever. Yurko Nazaruk shared stories of creating emotional spaces and brands that formed a unique phenomenon of Ukrainian hospitality and recognizable style, highlighting that the strength of a brand lies in its authenticity, cultural foundation, bold concepts, and ability to communicate with clients through emotions.
Tetiana Pushkariova, Development Manager at Re:inventex – the largest industrial textile waste recycling company in Ukraine – shared her thoughts on “Sustainable Development: Competitive Advantage or Cost?” She noted that the modern Ukrainian light industry is undergoing a period of deep transformation, where sustainability is no longer just a fashion trend but a necessity driven by market conditions, social responsibility, and environmental considerations.
Milla Nova, One by One, Turbat, Yarmich, and Kryla Karpaty presented their vision for scaling Ukrainian brands within the theme “Global or Local: How Ukrainian Brands Can Scale”.
A highlight of the Forum was the showcase of collections by young designers, including KNUTD students, winners of the 25th International Competition “Pecherski Kashtany” in the “Folk” and “Pret-a-porter de lux” (Clothing) categories. The authors of the collection “UkrainianMuseLine”, Maria Maisak and Kateryna Roienko, skillfully combined national motifs with contemporary fashion aesthetics, impressing guests with creativity and high technical execution. Yelyzaveta Malynovska, in her collection “Velvet Doctrine”, combined velvety textures, complex construction, and intellectual dramaturgy of images, proving that it is possible to create a premium fashion story while following global trends and preserving the uniqueness of national fashion.
The final highlight of “Lehka Konfa 3.0” was traditionally delivered through the analytical report “Barriers or Opportunities: What Holds Back the Ukrainian Fashion Industry?” by one of the most respected industry experts, co-owner of Softorg and specialist in optimizing sewing production, Taras Prytula. He summarized two days of intensive work, outlined the key obstacles to the industry’s development, and presented them as points of potential growth. Taras emphasized that a unique feature of the Ukrainian fashion industry is its boldness, which allows brands to adapt quickly, create striking ideas, and secure positions in the global market faster than many foreign competitors.
The University expresses its highest respect to its long-term partners – Softorg, a strategic stakeholder and leader of innovation in the light industry. Special thanks go to the Softorg team – Taras Prytula, member of the KNUTD Supervisory Board, Ivan Skorokhodov, Dmytro Kalach, and the entire dedicated team – who systematically strengthen the industry, implement large-scale projects, invest in development, support education, and create opportunities for the transformation of the Ukrainian fashion industry.
04.12.2025
