The aim of the article is to clarify the role of ethnic motives in the development of L. Semykina’s clothing design models. Research methodology. The article uses a comprehensive analysis of the collection of costumes by L. Semykina, in which she acts as a designer, artist and theorist. The original samples of costumes on historical themes were analyzed through the prism of the artist’s creative method. The novelty of the study lies in identifying the features of the artistic and plastic worldview of L. Semykina, the nature of the formal techniques inherent in her artistic style. Conclusion. As a result of the research we come to the conclusion that the artist’s creative developments in the field of costume are a synthesis of plastic, ornamental and color solutions. Turning to the inexhaustible source of ideas, images and forms of cultural heritage of Ukraine, L. Semykina finds new forms of spiritual and aesthetic continuity. Her original costumes are an innovative form of design approach to the problem of rethinking the ethnic features of the costume, from historical stylizations to mythopoetic reconstructions.