These past few weeks, we’ve witnessed Russian President Vladimir Putin declare war on Ukraine after years of tension. The invasion on Ukrainian land has left countless citizens fleeing the country and fighting on the frontlines. The world has come together in unity as a response to President Putin’s actions and is doing its part to support Ukraine both near and afar.
In political turmoil and social unrest, fashion can feel frivolous and out of touch; however, fashion is a trillion-dollar industry with a considerable audience giving it the power to take action. The war on Ukraine began during Milan fashion week, and although shows went on as scheduled, the fashion industry did not remain quiet to support and stand with Ukraine. Designers, luxury labels, models, and more have come out publicly in support of Ukraine (both on and off the runway.) In Milan, Giorgio Armani held his show in silence as models took the runway in respect of the current crisis. “My decision not to use any music was taken as a sign of respect towards the people involved in the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine,” Armani said in a statement shared on Instagram.
As the shows headed to Paris for fashion month’s finale, Balmain, Coperni, Balenciaga and Givenchy used their show notes to express sentiment for Ukraine and acknowledged how they would be supporting the Eastern European country, while giving resources for others to contribute too. “The war in Ukraine has triggered the pain of a past trauma I have carried in me since 1993, when the same thing happened in my home country and I became a forever refugee.” Balenciaga’s creative director Demna shared in his show notes. “Forever, because that’s something that stays in you. The fear, the desperation, the realization that no one wants you. But I also realized what really matters in life, the most important things, like life itself and human love and compassion.”
At the same time, models and showgoers also expressed their support. Argentinian model Mica Argañaraz took to her Instagram Story, writing, “it feels very weird walking in fashion shows knowing there’s a war happening in the same continent.” She publicly announced that she would be donating her fashion week earnings to relief efforts in Ukraine. Model sister duo Gigi and Bella Hadid followed suit, taking to their Instagrams after being inspired by Argañaraz. Gigi also expressed her support for Palestine “HANDS OFF UKRAINE. HANDS OFF PALESTINE. PEACE. PEACE. PEACE.” Both Hadid’s pledged to donate all of their earnings during fashion month to aid those suffering and shared links to additional resources.
Off of the fashion week calendar, global brands have announced their support for Ukraine by donating, sharing resources, and even cutting ties with Russian wholesale and e-commerce partners. Chanel, Burberry, Cartier and Hèrmes all shut stores and online sales in Russia, while the luxury conglomerate LVMH donated €5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Gucci were among brands that donated to charities responding to the crisis.
Fashion Group International, the organization behind the Rising Star Awards, launched a “Help Ukraine” fund in partnership with Delivering Good. The campaign’s mission is to rally its over 5,000 members in the fashion industry, including apparel, accessories, beauty, and home to raise funds and act on behalf of Ukrainians in need.
