We have spent several years working with and featuring Ukrainian creatives from photography to designers. While it has been heartbreaking to see war which is completely unnecessary this day and age, we are optimistic that our community in fashion can come together to continue to support Ukraine. We have seen the industry speak out for peace and against the war during Paris Fashion Week, but unlike fashion week, it doesn’t magically disappear after one week or once social media algorithms decides its no longer news-worthy. The war is still happening and it still needs help.
Brands including FROLOV and Anton Belinskiy have put collections on hold to focus on fabricating gear from vests to baklavas while encouraging would be shoppers to donate to Ukrainian relief.
“You are familiar with and love Ukrainian brands. Keep buying them. Look for items made by Ukrainian designers on international online platforms and in large department stores of Europe, the USA, and other countries, on the official websites of Ukrainian brands. It is not just financial support for the Ukrainian creative industry. It is a sign that you are with us and against the unreasonable war that Russia has started in our free and democratic Ukraine. For now, a lot of civil people have become victims.” Explained Ukrainian Fashion Week.
What can be done?
Supporting Ukrainian designers in many ways is a way to ensure that the fashion sector in Ukraine that employs many people can continue after the world and help rebuild the economy, however, at the moment many brands, photographers, creative agencies are focusing their proceeds to immediate relief.
Here are some of the initiatives you can support and spread the word about!
White Rabbit Agency based in Kyiv has now launched an initiative with which they can help foreign brands and those brands can help Ukraine. Now when you buy consultation from them, they will be donating 100% of their fee (minus income tax) to the Ukrainian army, volunteers and hospitals. The agency consults on everything concerning brand building, PR, market positioning, pricing & visual strategy and beyond that. If your brand works in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, interior segment — they can help you, and you’ll be helping their country’s fight for freedom. For all details — ask@wr-agency.com
Ksenia Schnaider is one of our favorite designers focusing on reworked and upcycled denim. Their entire 30-person team has been forced to prioritize their safety and take care of their families during the war. They cannot afford to wait for wholesale payments, and therefore you can purchase a Support Card that will help provide the team with food and medical supplies during the war.
“We pray for peace and immediately after the end of the war we will return to work and this financial support will be converted into gift certificates” stated on their website.
Several of our favorite Ukrainian photographers including Nikita Serada are fundraising for humanitarian aid to help those affected by the war in Ukraine by selling their prints until the end of the month.
Gunia Project, the brand of exceptional items inspired by Ukrainian heritage, is selling their blue and yellow bird candles and donates all the costs to the “Come back alive” foundation and to the fund helping the animals.
DRESSX, the largest digital wardrobe and was founded by Ukrainians, launched a capsule to support Ukraine at the end of February. They’ve been spreading the word and dressing celebrities who’ve supported Ukraine in their items.
And finally, share the link on how you can help as a foreigner: www.how-to-help-ukraine-now.super.site/
