In February 2022, Russia brought mass destruction to the country of Ukraine and innocent civilians through an open military invasion. Since, the tension and terror of this ongoing invasion has caused awful violence to the doorsteps of the people of Ukraine. Footage has been seen online of the current state of events in Ukraine, and people around the world have rallied to show support for this country and its inhabitants. Organizations, entire nations and individuals around the globe have found ways to speak out against the senseless nature of Russia’s actions, and for the bravery of the country of Ukraine. Even celebrities have taken action to help raise awareness and bring additional support to Ukraine. This is the case with the fashion industry, as many models and fashion celebrities have used their online platforms to encourage their fans and followers to show their support to. The whole fashion industry has united in the most amazing way to show solidarity with Ukraine during this time.
One of the most visible ways to see how the fashion industry has been showing support with Ukraine is to check out the country’s official Instagram page, @ukraine.ua. This account has over 700,000 followers and has been keeping its online community updated with the Russian invasion and how different people have been coming together to bolster Ukrainian efforts.
In one post, Ukraine’s Instagram shows how Emili Sindlev, a fashion stylist and influencer from Denmark, and Danish fashion stylist and consultant Mads Emil Grove Møller hold hands in fashionable blue and yellow outfits for Ukraine. They made this appearance at Paris City Fashion Week, with a that caption reads, “Freedom Blue, Energizing Yellow #stoprussianagressioan #standwithukraine.” One comment on this post was emphasizing how these celebrities are using their influence to motivate others to help: “Each person has a power and these influencers can motivate people. So each and every support is appreciated!”
L’Officiel Ukraine’s Instagram page is another account that posted fashion celebrities supporting Ukraine. This account has over 80,000 followers and displays many compelling images that show the beauty of the Ukrainian flag, its colors and its people.
During Paris City Fashion Week, the account shows an image of two models adorned in blue and yellow Balenciaga designed pieces, along with a quote by Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, who is also the creative director of Balenciaga. “The war in Ukraine has awakened in me the pain of that past injury that I suffered in 1993 when the same thing happened in my country. It’s something that stays with you forever,” Gvasalia said. The post has over 9,000 likes and many comments showing support. Some comments included, “Glory to Ukraine,” “Thanks from Ukraine,” and “Thanks for being with us.” Another comment said, “Thank you very much for your support and empathy!”
Another celebrity that is showing support for Ukraine is popular model Bella Hadid. She made a post showing an image of her wearing a trendy shirt in blue and yellow. Her heartfelt caption was a show of solidarity to all the people of Ukraine and her Ukrainian friends and colleagues. It reads, “To watch my Ukrainian friends and colleagues working hard here in Europe, so close but so far from their families/friends/homes in Ukraine who are experiencing one of many brutal occupations and invasions happening right now in the world is a very emotional and humbling experience for me. We rarely have control of our work schedules and this week has really shown me the strength and perseverance of the people around me who are going through pure terror.”
Bella went on to say that she feels devastated to hear of all the stories regarding the Russian invasion and stands in support. “I stand alongside every person that has been affected by this war and the innocent people who’s lives have been changed forever from the hands of ‘power.’”
She went on to say that her sister and fellow model Gigi Hadid is also showing support for Ukraine, as they will both be donating all of their earnings from Fashion Week to organizations providing help to Ukraine. She quoted her sister’s thoughts on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our eyes and hearts must be open to all human injustice. May we all see each other as brothers and sisters, beyond politics, beyond race, beyond religion. At the end of the day, innocent lives pay for war- not leaders,” said Gigi Hadid.
