Analysing the reasons behind the success of Ukrainian Fashion Week, which has become one of the essential events in Eastern European fashion, implies dwelling on its strengths compared to other international fashion calls. Possibly one of its great differential factors is the ability they have to merge young talent and established creators into a shared calendar that, though preserving a space dedicated to the promotion of emerging brands, coexists with an extensive programme of creatives who have already crossed borders, having made their brands profitable businesses with an international projection.
One more issue that cannot be overlooked is the fact that Ukrainian Fashion Week has perfectly understood that this industry is not only about fashion shows and presentations, but it is an active conversation in which all agents of the sector have to participate to make real progress. Focusing on sustainability, the organisation held an event in which some of the great names in international fashion took part, under the title Be Sustainable! Fashion Summit. An event hosted by Daria Marusyk in which Patrick Duffy from Global Fashion Exchange or Niamh Tuft (Fashion Revolution) participated, among many others.
But the differential factor compared to other fashion weeks, is that despite its exponential growth and global development, this event maintains its essence. A DNA defined by collaboration, the involvement of the organisation and the coexistence of a recent past marked by continued instability with a promising future and a clear optimism in the collections presented on the catwalk. Just look at Iryna Danylevska, co-founder and head of the Ukrainian Fashion Week organizing committee, taking care of guests and the press, trying to make sure everything is perfect. Or Alexandra Dimitriievych, head of the international department, involving the attendees in the different activities.
An increasingly unusual scene on the fashion circuit, where pyramidal structures make it difficult to see those who are truly in charge in action during these days. Perhaps truth, honesty and growing with the designers they trusted from the beginning are the components of their success formula. Let’s review some of the most spectacular collections seen on the catwalk.