Ukraine, fashion also plays its part

While the whole world of fashion moves from Milan to Paris, the Russian offensive in Ukraine continues and the first refugees arrive in Italy.

If the short circuit created by social networks, in an uninterrupted succession of videos and photographs shared live by the fashion shows alternating with images of bombings and requests for help, has an alienating effect, no one is immune from the sense of helplessness that one feels in the face of war .

The presentation of the Fall / Winter 2022-23 collections, which was to mark a moment of rebirth after the pandemic, instead coincided dramatically with a new dark chapter in our history.

The show must go onwe know, but perhaps – as Giorgio Armani demonstrated with a show without music and as suggested by Ralph Toledano, president of Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, at the opening of the Parisian Fashion Week, the show can continue with solemnity and sobrietyand it can be food for thought in these dark times.

«The ability to express oneself creatively is based on the principle of freedom. And the role of fashion is to contribute to individual and collective emancipation in our societies “. Toledano reminded us.

And there are many the fashion designers who have shown us this truth in recent years in Ukrainemaking themselves known around the world for their talent, and telling the story of a young nation, full of life and creative energylinked to its traditions but projected towards the future. All this cannot and must not be canceled by a war.

Instagram feeds are tinged with yellow and blue, where in addition to sharing petitions to sign, associations to donate to, and events to participate in, you can also find yourself a unanimous desire to continue spreading the beauty and dignity of one’s country.

«Sleeper was born during the Ukrainian revolution (The Ukrainian Revolution of 2014, ed.). The revolution of dignity. – Tell us about the popular brand for its collections in a post loungewear – In those dark days, we felt our national identity and our strength as Ukrainians more clearly than ever. A sensation so great that it sparked the creation of unique and beautiful garments made by the hands of the incredible women who work for Sleeper. It was at that time, 8 years ago, that we decided to spread beauty and light around the world. We wanted to nurture love and care, giving people a way to take care of themselves, even alone in the house when no one sees them. Now we really need you to see us. See Ukraine. Because Ukraine needs your support, your love. In the name of peace. Glory to Ukraine! “

“We will become even stronger. We will continue to harass the enemy with cool music, cool fashion, and most of all, with true freedom and unity! We will move faster. Building our future will be even more exciting. We are peace! »Writes in a post Julie Pelipas, Creative Director and founder of the upcycled fashion brand Bettter.

Dressx, platform born in Ukraine to give visibility to emerging designers from all over the world and which today has offices in numerous countries around the world, launches a collection whose proceeds will go entirely to support the Ukrainian population. And international retailers, such as Los Angeles Not Just a Labelinvite you to support Ukrainian brands by purchasing them on their website.

For our part, we feel the urgency to give visibility to this multitude of voices, and try to remember that we are united in beauty, in imagination, in our humanity.

We have therefore achieved our contacts in Kiev, press offices and PR agencies, especially Public Kitchen who helped us get in touch with some fashion designersand we asked them how they are experiencing the situation and what their hopes are for the future. We have collected their testimonies in the gallery below.