How Ukraine was supported at fashion weeks in Milan and Paris

At the time of February 24, when Russia began an aggressive war against the people of Ukraine, Fashion Week was just taking place in Milan, which on February 28 changed Paris Fashion Week.

Designers, brands and organizations

In Milan , Giorgio Armani was one of the first designers to speak out in connection with Russia's war against Ukraine. As a sign of respect for the tragedy, the models walked the runway in complete silence during the show.

The next day, the president of the Federation of Haute Couture, Ralph Toledano, posted on Instagram a reminder of the events in Ukraine: “Creativity is based on the principles of freedom under any circumstances. And fashion has always contributed to individual and collective emancipation and self-expression. Given the current context, the Fédération de la Haute Couture encourages you to watch the upcoming shows with all seriousness and reflection on these dark times.”

From the first day of the war, the fashion brand Balenciaga began supporting Ukraine, and during Fashion Week in Paris, the brand prepared T-shirts in the colors of the Ukrainian flag for all guests of the show.

“Fashion week looks absurd now. At the last minute I wanted to cancel the show, but my team and I worked hard and waited for it. So we realized that canceling would mean showing up for all the evil that has already been ruining my life for the last 30 years. I decided that I no longer wanted to sacrifice a piece of myself to a senseless and heartless war. This show needs no explanation. It is a dedication to the absence of fear, of resistance. Love and peace will win!” said Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia.

The brand’s show began with Alexander Oles’s poem “Live, Ukraine, Live for Beauty,” which was read by the designer himself in Ukrainian.

The final images for the show looked like this.

“Today we present our fall-winter 2022 collection and want to express our support and solidarity to the people of Ukraine,” wrote French fashion designer Isabelle Marant on March 3 on her Instagram page.

Models walked the catwalk in outfits the color of the flag of Ukraine at the shows of the brands Marni, Gucci and Botter.

Marni Autumn/Winter 2022

Marni Autumn/Winter 2022

Marni Autumn/Winter 2022

Moreover, at the Valentino show, Pierpaolo Piccioli spoke about love in his welcoming speech dedicated to the events in Ukraine:

“We react to what is happening in the only way we know - by work. We respond to not allow the fear of war to overwhelm us, remembering that being free today is a privilege more than ever. Our thoughts are with those suffering. We see you, we feel and love you. Because love is the answer."

Russian couturier Valentin Yudashkin was not allowed to participate in Paris Fashion Week because of his position on the war in Ukraine - he refused to publicly condemn Russia's actions.

Bloggers

Looks in blue and yellow colors were demonstrated by the fashionable New York project Young Emperors , which includes Isabelle Chapu and Nelson Tibergen.

“Fashion Week in Paris. The first day. Our thoughts are with you, Ukraine."

German blogger Leonie Hanne , both in Milan and Paris, chose appropriate outfits that spoke of support for Ukraine. A blue suit and a yellow handbag, as well as a dress with a skirt made of feathers painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag are a beautiful protest against the war.

“My heart is with you, Ukraine. I can't remember the last time I felt so sad and helpless. Our thoughts are with you, our hearts are with you, our prayers are with you.”

Stylist and blogger from Scandinavia Emily Sindlev and her boyfriend also chose fashion looks in blue and yellow colors.

British blogger of Slovenian origin Maya Malnar supported Ukraine with a yellow and blue outfit.