International fintech xpate will support the London presentation of Naïve My Love: Ukrainian Folk Art of the 20th Century, recognising culture’s power to cross borders and keep Ukraine visible on the global stage.
London, 14 September 2026: xpate, the all-in-one payments and banking hub, is supporting the London presentation of Naïve My Love: Ukrainian Folk Art of the 20th Century, a publication created by Ukrainian brand GUNIA in collaboration with luxury publisher Assouline, which explores Ukraine’s naïve and folk art and brings its cultural heritage to an international audience.
The book documents the work of Ukrainian naïve artists, many of whom developed their practice outside formal artistic institutions, and explores folk traditions, including painting, embroidery, carving and decorative arts. It also traces their influence on the early twentieth-century avant-garde and contemporary design. Led creatively by GUNIA founders Mariia Gavryliuk and Natalia Kamenska, Naïve My Love was released globally through Assouline on 20 August and will be presented in London on 17 September during London Fashion Week.
At a time when Ukraine is defending its sovereignty and future, its culture remains a vital expression of national identity, continuity and connection with the wider world. For xpate, supporting the project reflects an ongoing commitment to championing Ukrainian creativity and helping the country’s cultural heritage reach wider international audiences. It also reflects a principle at the heart of xpate’s approach to fintech: cross-border connections drive progress. The value of cross-border payments extends far beyond moving money; it lies in the markets they open, the relationships they enable and the opportunities they create.
“The purpose of cross-border finance is to open markets and connect businesses, and that is the space in which xpate operates every day. Culture crosses borders in a different way, carrying a nation’s identity, heritage, and creative voice to the world,” said Mike Shafro, CEO and Founder of xpate. “Naïve My Love embodies that power. It reflects the resolve of a nation that, even under extraordinary pressure, continues to protect what makes it distinct and create what comes next. That is why xpate is proud to support Naïve My Love and its London presentation, standing behind a project that gives this distinctly Ukrainian story greater international visibility.”
The collaboration between xpate and GUNIA is rooted in a belief that Ukraine’s place in the world should be shaped not only by what it has endured and continues to endure, but by what it creates. By supporting Naïve My Love, xpate is standing behind a future in which Ukrainian culture receives the lasting international recognition it deserves, and more people can discover the depth of its heritage.
Initiated by GOGOLA media agency, the project will be presented in London on 17 September at Maison Assouline, 196A Piccadilly, with designboom as the official media partner of the launch. The event will bring together figures from across art, culture, fashion, philanthropy and business to celebrate Ukrainian art and cultural heritage.
xpate is an all-in-one payments & banking hub built for businesses, fintechs, and regulated industries. Rooted in compliance, driven by innovation, and dedicated to unifying global money movement across borders, industries, and technologies, xpate helps digital businesses pay, get paid, and keep money flowing through adaptive payment and smart banking services.
GUNIA Project is a Ukrainian cultural brand founded by Mariia Gavryliuk and Natalia Kamenska, dedicated to reinterpreting Ukrainian heritage through contemporary design.
Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. Guided by a passion for knowledge, culture, and travel, the company has published over 2,000 titles in five main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers, and designers. With an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, Assouline has globally redefined modern publishing.
