In February 2022, Russia brought mass destruction to the country of Ukraine and innocent civilians through an open military invasion. Since then, the tension and terror of this ongoing invasion has caused horrific violence at the gates of the people of Ukraine. Images of the current state of events in Ukraine have been seen online, and people from all over the world have rallied to show their support for this country and its people. Organizations, entire nations and individuals around the world 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 steps to help raise awareness and provide additional support for Ukraine. This is the case in the fashion industry, as many fashion models and celebrities have used their online platforms to encourage their fans and followers to show their support. The entire fashion industry has come together in the most incredible way to show solidarity with Ukraine during this time.
One of the most visible ways to see how the fashion industry has been showing its support for Ukraine is to visit the country’s official Instagram page, @ukraine.ua. This account has more than 700,000 followers and has been keeping its online community updated on the Russian invasion and how different people have come together to bolster Ukraine’s efforts.
In a post, Ukraine’s Instagram shows Emili Sindlev, a fashion stylist and influencer from Denmark, and Danish stylist and fashion consultant Mads Emil Grove Møller holding hands in trendy blue and yellow outfits for Ukraine. They made this appearance at City of Paris Fashion Week, with a caption reading, “Freedom Blue, Energizing Yellow #stoprussianagressioan #standwithukraine.” A comment on this post emphasized how these celebrities are using their influence to motivate others to help: “Each person has a power and these influencers can motivate people. So any and all support is appreciated!”
L’Officiel Ukraine’s Instagram page is another account that posted fashion celebrities supporting Ukraine. This account has more than 80,000 followers and features many compelling images that show the beauty of the Ukrainian flag, its colors, and its people.
During City of Paris Fashion Week, the account shows an image of two models decked out in blue and yellow pieces designed by Balenciaga, along with a quote from Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, who is also Balenciaga’s creative director. “The war in Ukraine has awakened in me the pain of that past wound 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 their support. Some comments included, “Glory to Ukraine,” “Thank you from Ukraine,” and “Thank you for being with us.” Another comment read: “Thank you so much for your support and empathy!”
Another celebrity showing support for Ukraine is the popular model Bella Hadid. She made a post that featured a picture of her in a trendy blue and yellow shirt. His emotional caption was a show of solidarity with all the Ukrainian people and their Ukrainian friends and colleagues. He says: “Seeing my Ukrainian friends and colleagues hard at work here in Europe, so close yet so far from their families/friends/homes in Ukraine who are experiencing one of the many brutal occupations and invasions happening around the world right now. it is very emotional and humiliating experience for me. We are rarely in 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 sheer terror.”
Bella went on to say that she is devastated to hear all the stories about the Russian invasion and is supportive. “I stand with all the people who have been affected by this war and the innocent people whose lives have been changed forever at the hands of ‘power.'”
She went on to say that her sister and fellow model Gigi Hadid is also showing her support for Ukraine as they will both donate all of their Fashion Week proceeds to organizations that provide aid to Ukraine. He quoted his 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, regardless of politics, regardless of race, regardless of religion. At the end of the day, innocent lives pay for war, not leaders,” said Gigi Hadid.
