We Can Dream Again

From the onset of war in Ukraine, Aspinal has been dedicated to raising awareness for relief efforts and helping charities and individuals in Ukraine. This started with our Ukraine Crisis Fundraising Capsule Collection in 2022, and continued in 2023 with our Aspinal of London X The Olena Pinchuk Foundation collaboration.

In our latest response to the ongoing crisis, we are proud to be launching a special limited edition silk scarf in charitable collaboration with the children of St Mary's Ukrainian School in London. The inspiring, beautiful accessory has been designed by Mariya Dykalo, proud Ukrainian and Artistic Executive Designer at Aspinal of London.

The scarf is based on the original artwork 'We Can Dream Again', created by children during a Creative Art Therapy lesson led by Mariya. These children fled Ukraine following Russia's invasion and are now continuing their education at St Mary's Ukrainian School in London. Their drawings express dreams for their future -some hope to become footballers, Olympic gymnasts, others pop stars, or designers. Their most heartfelt wish, however, is for peace in Ukraine; to return to their pets, their homes, and to be reunited with their families.

A Symbol of Hope and Inspiration

On a blue planet with a yellow orb, representing the colours of the Ukrainian flag, Mariya has arranged the children's artwork into a collage. The original artwork has been donated to St Mary's Ukrainian School, where it is displayed for the children to see their dreams reflected at them each day. The art serves as a source of encouragement, inspiring them and others to continue believing in a brighter future.

St Mary’s Ukrainian School

St Mary's Ukrainian School plays a crucial role in supporting Ukrainian refugee children's families in London, providing cultural education, a sense of community, and a safe space for children to learn and grow. The school has been a source of strength and stability for families facing new challenges, and initiatives like 'We Can Dream Again' offer children a creative space to express themselves and maintain a connection to their heritage. Since the onset of the war, the school has expanded its reach, establishing nine additional schools across England to support the growing Ukrainian community. On October 21st, the school will be hosting a major conference on children's trauma, attended by Mariya.

I am honoured to have been able to work with children at St Mary’s School to help process some of their fears, traumas and separation anxiety through art therapy. Our sessions focused on their hopes, dreams and ambitions to highlight the positives in their lives and the brightness that their futures will hold, rather than the darkness, deprivations and horror of the war that they have witnessed in Ukraine. I’m thrilled to be able to share this beautiful artwork that we created together on International Children’s Day, and champion the critical work St Mary’s School perform in supporting displaced Ukrainian children in the UK. ‘We Can Dream Again’, the motto of the school, symbolises the resilience of Ukrainian children and their enduring spirit of hope, which continues to thrive even in challenging times.

Mariya Dykalo, Artistic Executive Designer