Three Ukrainian fashion designers made their mark at London Fashion Week on Tuesday, thrilled to showcase their designs on the runway despite the turmoil in their homeland. The first show was presented by fashion house KSENIASCHNAIDER, featuring a collection that blended denim jeans, white tops, and multicoloured patchwork outfits with an eco-friendly theme.
Designer Ksenia Schnaider expressed her desire to escape the reality of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, saying, “I just want to bring joy and something beautiful.” Running the brand with her husband, Anton, has been challenging since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with frequent blackouts adding to the stress.
PASKAL is also impacted with its delicate blue, black, and white dresses, featuring cutout butterfly shapes and attachments. Designer Julie Paskal spoke of the power and excitement of representing their country in London.
The final brand on the lineup, FROLOV, was worn by famous singers like Dua Lipa and Gwen Stefani. Designer Ivan Frolov drew inspiration from Ukrainian songs for this collection, showcasing corset dresses in shades of pink, red, and black with heart-shaped cutouts and hand-knit sweaters.
Frolov expressed gratitude for the support of London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Council, which was crucial for keeping their business going.
The designers closed the show by appearing together with a Ukrainian flag and the UNITED24 logo, a fundraising platform created by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The designers will also showcase their talents in Berlin and Copenhagen.
At the end of the London Fashion Week show, the designers received a standing ovation from the audience, who were impressed by their courage and creativity.
Inspired by their Ukrainian heritage, the designers’ unique designs were a refreshing change from the usual fare and a reminder that fashion can be a form of resistance and self-expression.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Ukrainian designers refused to be discouraged and used their platform to bring attention to the struggles faced by their country.
Their work symbolizes hope and resilience, and their successful showcase at London Fashion Week is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit.
The designers’ participation in London Fashion Week also highlights the importance of supporting emerging talent and fashion’s role in promoting cultural diversity.
The designers’ collections celebrated their Ukrainian roots, and their presence at the event helped bring a new perspective to the fashion world.
The Ukrainian designers’ appearance at London Fashion Week was a triumph of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of fashion to bring people together and inspire change. The designers’ courage and creativity will continue to inspire others and impact the fashion industry for years.
