This column is called “All That Glitters,” and if ever there were a topic befitting that title, it would have to be the gymnastics competition at the Paris Olympics.
Where to start? At the artistic gymnastics events there were universally gorgeous, abundantly bedazzled costumes in a rainbow of colors (this article states that one U.S. team outfit contains more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals). The eye makeup was a shimmering tour de force (looking at you, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil). Close-ups of the lovely gymnasts’ intensely focused, remarkably composed (or painfully nerve-wracked/grief-stricken) faces showed innumerable instances of diamond (or diamond-esque—who knows?) stud earrings crawling up ears. And Simone Biles’ goat necklace by Janet Heller? Swoon.
On to rhythmic gymnastics: The group final kicks off on Saturday at 2 p.m. Paris time, so I’ll likely be watching the replay with my daughter sometime over the weekend. And I’ll be cheering for the team from Ukraine, because I’ve gotten to know a bit about its members—and Ukraine’s legacy of top-tier rhythmic gymnastics—through a dispatch from the jewelry brand Dukachi.
The Ukrainian company, founded by sisters Anna and Yelyzaveta Knyzhenko in 2018, has partnered with the Gymnastics Federation of Ukraine on what amounts to a beautifully photographed celebration of Ukrainian culture and resilience.
Ukraine’s gymnastics federation “sought to collaborate exclusively with Ukrainian brands as a gesture of national pride and solidarity,” explains Anna. “The Olympic rhythmic gymnastics team members themselves chose Dukachi, which was a profound honor for us. They saw in Dukachi a reflection of their values.”
At the center of the collaboration was a photo shoot for social media and other promotional platforms, with Ukrainian photographer Stepan Lisovsky capturing the images. “Our goal was to create a narrative that transcends the usual portrayal of athletes, showcasing the human side of these extraordinary girls, highlighting their grace, strength, and elegance—qualities that resonate deeply both on and off the competition floor,” says Yelyzaveta.
The sisters wanted to “offer a glimpse into the gymnasts’ journeys, triumphs, and the unwavering spirit that drives them, so this collaboration is more than just a promotional effort—it’s a tribute to their resilience,” she adds.
Resilience is an understatement given the wartime conditions under which the team has had to qualify, and then prepare, for the Paris Games. Since they train in Kyiv, “they must often seek shelter from rockets in bomb shelters,” says Anna. “These hardships have only strengthened their resolve and commitment to excellence, demonstrating their incredible spirit and perseverance.”
An icon of the Dukachi brand is its lucky charm doll pendants (pictured below) made in enamel, 14k gold, and gemstones. The motif, according to the Knyzhenkos, is intended to rekindle happy memories of childhood and create a connection to those more innocent times. The charms are also worn as amulets for protection and good luck.
Other Dukachi pieces are modeled by the gymnasts in the photo series, including the Dukach necklace in silver or plated gold.
There are also jewels with an animal that might be mistaken for a fox, though it actually “is a tribute to the majestic lynx, a symbol of wisdom, sharp vision, and independence,” says Yelyzaveta. “The collection reflects the lynx’s mysterious aura and its ability to navigate the wild with grace and power.”
Per safety regulations, the rhythmic gymnasts are not allowed to wear any of the Dukachi jewelry on the competition floor (stud earrings are allowed). But if the lynx is their spirit animal, and the little dolls are a comfort, they can take the energy of those pieces with them when they perform at the Porte de la Chapelle arena, wielding hoops and lustrous ribbons, with hearts full of hope.
Even in the darkest of times, it seems, a blaze of sequins and crystals can cut through the shadows. The show must go on, no matter how many skies have fallen.
Top: The Ukrainian rhythmic gymnastics team participated in a photo shoot with Dukachi jewelry. (All photos of team members: Stepan Lisovsky)
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