Dragons' Den Ukrainian designer fashion brand Nenya to host pop-up at John Lewis Leeds
Premium womenswear brand Nenya is back in Yorkshire to host a pop-up at John Lewis Leeds next week.
Founded in Leeds by a Ukrainian fashion entrepreneur Yana Smaglo, Nenya supports Ukrainian craftsmanship and creative talent, offering refined, enduring pieces for modern women.
In January 2025, BBC viewers saw Yana on Dragons’ Den when she asked for £80,000 for 10 per cent of her Ukrainian fashion brand distribution business. She accepted a joint offer from Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett.
Originally from Kharkiv, Yana was in Kyiv when, on February 24, 2022, she awoke to the sound of bombing as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. She packed a small bag and left, travelling through Poland and Germany, until she was invited by friends to stay in Huddersfield.
She decided to establish Nenya with the aim of helping fellow designers still living in Ukraine by supporting their businesses, their skills and their creativity, to enable them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
At the time Deborah Meaden said: “Yana has the wonderful combination of grit and style which is bound to stand her out from the crowd.
“Her collection of luxurious leisure wear is absolutely spot on for the current climate and underlying it all is a drive to help her home country.”
The Nenya pop-up is at John Lewis Leeds from May 11–17. Visitors will be able to discover the latest collection, experience the quality and fit firsthand, explore the story behind the brand, and shop a curated edit of limited-quantity designs.
Nenya.online
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