9 Ukrainian fashion labels to support right now
IMAGE VIA ANNA OCTOBER
WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN
Shopping for a good cause.
For over a month now, Ukraine has been under attack by Russia. The fact Ukraine has held its own is a testament to the strength, unity and bravery of the country.
For more information on how to be supportive with your shopping, head here.
Ukraine has long been a vibrant centre for creativity and fashion. As its residents face unimaginable upheaval, supporting designers from afar can be a great way to get money into the hands of those who need it. Below is a selection of Ukrainian labels to support and where to buy them.
Litkovskaya
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At this year’s Paris Fashion Week Tranoï event, Lilia Litkovskaya was determined to show off the strength and creative power of her nation’s designers. Her installation featured QR codes linking back to the work of fellow Ukrainian designers. She has always made a point to uplift her community – during COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, she launched Schooll, an educational project offering creative courses in Ukraine and online. Her brand features refined silhouettes and elegant tailoring.
Anna October
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Less than a week after a harrowing escape from wartorn Kyiv, designer Anna October showed her label’s most recent collection at Paris Fashion Week to glowing reviews. The Resort ’22 collection features sleek, feminine silhouettes and sweaters that were handknitted by a group of elderly people in her community. Temporarily operating out of Estonia, October plans to use her network and resources to help support those on the ground in Ukraine.
Vita Kin
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Vita Kin gained notoriety in 2015 with its line of colourful, hand-embroidered garments inspired by Ukrainian folklore. National tradition and history underpin Vita Kin’s designs, while a modern edge makes them appealing enough to have sold out in days on Net-a-Porter.
Milla
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Founded in 2019, Milla rose to stardom with its romantic ruffles and shimmering cocktail dresses. Its dazzling gowns helped to snag a spot on the March 2022 Tranoï designer list, a prestigious fashion community that hosts industry events. The label is currently donating 20 per cent of its profits to the Ukrainian army for humanitarian aid.
Anton Belinskiy
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Anton Belinskiy’s avant-garde garments pull inspiration from activewear, the club scene and local traditions he’s seen during his trips across his native Ukraine. To support defence efforts in the country, Belinskiy collaborated with fashion and media company 032c to launch a Free Ukraine T-shirt that sold out within an hour. According to WWD, Belinshiy has now volunteered with the city guard in Kyiv to fight against the Russian army.
Sleeper
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Light-hearted loungewear label Sleeper creates feather-trimmed pyjamas, slouchy silks and fuzzy slippers that have been loved by the likes of Millie Bobby Brown and Brie Larson. Co-founders Asya Veretsa and Kate Zubarieva are doing their best to ensure the safety of their 120 person team formerly based in Kyiv.
Syndicate
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Syndicate is an up-and-coming streetwear label. Its debut SS18 collection was designed in Kyiv and has Japanese influences. Since the war began, the team has been hard at work fundraising for warm materials and sewing thermal underwear for the army and volunteers.
Ruslan Baginskiy
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It’s no overstatement to say that celebrities are obsessed with Ruslan Baginskiy’s hats. Among the A-listers that have sported his pieces are Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Madonna and Taylor Swift. When war broke out in Kyiv, the team relocated to Baginskiy’s hometown of Lviv in Western Ukraine. Seamstresses and embroiderers are now staying at Baginskiy’s parent’s house with his mom, the brand’s director of production.
Frolov
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Frolov’s “couture-to-wear” creations strive to be provocative and empowering. Its detailed embellishments and modern shapes have drawn attention from the likes of Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani and Dua Lipa. In the past few weeks, the brand has fundraised over 20,000 euros for the construction of body armour for the Ukrainian military.
To donate directly to humanitarian efforts in Ukrainian, head here.
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