Ukrainian Fashion Week SS25: A Testament to Resilience and Creativity Amidst War
For the first time since the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW) is returning to Ukraine, showcasing the unwavering spirit and resilience of the nation. Despite the ongoing war and the destruction it has brought, Ukrainian designers continue to create, and the 55th season of UFW, taking place in Kyiv from September 1st to 4th, is a testament to their unwavering dedication.
“Missile attacks, air raid sirens, power outages – these are the daily challenges our country faces. But despite all this, despite the pain and loss, our commitment to our craft remains steadfast. Almost 50 Ukrainian brands have supported our decision to hold this season in Ukraine,” said Iryna Danylevska, co-founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.
The event will not only be a celebration of fashion but also a platform for solidarity and support. A joint charitable initiative of all UFW SS25 participants will raise funds for medical equipment for a palliative care unit for veterans at the Svyatenko Rehabilitation Clinic.
A special installation at the main UFW SS25 location will serve as an emotional reflection of the new reality, showcasing Ukrainian fashion brands that have embodied the creative response of designers to the challenges of war. This installation will highlight the influence and responsibility of culture in times of conflict. A portrait gallery of colleagues who have left their peaceful professions in the industry to join the front lines will be a special part of the space, honoring everyone who brings Ukraine closer to victory every day.
“We hope to open a new dimension of design and encourage everyone to feel its formative power. Two major institutions are demonstrating the power of unity in action. By joining forces, Kyiv Design Week and Ukrainian Fashion Week are creating a broad platform for reflection and creative interaction to initiate a dialogue among representatives of the creative sphere,” said Kyiv Design Week curators Anastasia Biletska and Yaroslav Belinsky.
Kyiv Design Week, an event that embodies the multifaceted potential of Ukrainian design, will take place in Kyiv for the second time from August 28th to September 4th.
As part of the official UFW SS25 program, the first exhibition of political jewelry in Ukraine, “Brave to Live,” will open on September 1st at the “Sens na Khreshchatyku” bookstore. This project by the Ukrainian jewelry community LANKA is dedicated to human resilience in the face of war. The exhibition, which has been showcased at Munich Jewelry Week and Lisbon Jewelry Biennial, will now be part of Ukrainian Fashion Week in an expanded format from September 1st to 4th.
This season, UFW will also feature an open educational platform, Schooll of Art x Craft, supported by technology partner Lenovo. Dedicated to the challenges faced by Ukrainian fashion and culture during the war, this event on September 3rd will bring together domestic and international experts and fashion industry professionals to discuss the preservation and promotion of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
A new format, a trade show featuring 15 Ukrainian clothing and accessories brands, will be introduced at UFW SS25. Alina Kachorovska, co-founder and CEO of Kacho Group and creative director of the Kachorovska brand, initiated the introduction of this format at UFW. The UFW team and the Kachorovska team are jointly inviting Ukrainian buyers to UFW SS25. These buyers have been instrumental in supporting the domestic market since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, professionally encouraging Ukrainians to value and buy their own products.
This historic Ukrainian Fashion Week will be a season of unity. UFW is proud to be supported this season by Ukrainian fashion media, united by their responsibility to the industry. UFW expresses sincere gratitude to VOGUE UA, ELLE Ukraine, MARIE CLAIRE Ukraine, and many other resources for their inspiring support.