Ukrainian Designer Jean Gritsfeldt On His Powerful AW22 Show At Berlin Fashion Week

I was considering that we desired really standard outfits to place these [slogans] on the styles in Ukrainian and English, these as “love”, “independence”, “freedom” – items we’re now wearing as a defence. We decided to incorporate a product [painted in red] this is symbolic of us having to pay for peace with our blood, because the title on the T-shirt was “peace”. I bought this concept that we necessary a flag costume to finish, but it was so extended we determined to have the products carry it instead and have this spiritual minute by the finale.

I would not even contact it a fashion show – it was much more like a manifesto about generating a statement. It was about developing this unity close to what is taking place right now and saying, “Please, we require your aid.” Some of the designs are living in Berlin, but there were some from Belarus, from Crimea. The girl who shut the display was from Luhansk, which has been [under the control of pro-Russian separatists] since 2014.

Right after the exhibit, persons didn’t want to go – they ended up just crying. It’s possible since they felt it wasn’t about the apparel it was about what we have been sensation. I gained a great deal of messages from individuals who really don’t know me, who felt the electrical power of the display via the display.

We couldn’t generate the collection in Ukraine, because a lot of generation is now targeted on soldiers’ uniforms and [equipment]. I was launched to Sustainable Vogue Matterz and Fashion Revolution Germany, who gathered jointly all over 30 volunteers to make the selection. It was tough due to the fact I’m applied to staying in command of every little thing, but you have to put your rely on into folks. Almost everything was made in a few or 4 times it was a wonder. We have now found producers in Europe [to produce the autumn/winter 2022 collection], and all the sales will go in the direction of a cultural foundation in Ukraine so that we can rebuild following every thing which is occurred.

I truly hope that this was the first and last manner show that I’ll pass up. We have now obtained some strategies for subsequent period, but we want it to transpire on no cost land, when folks will not be suffering. I definitely want to ask people today to not ignore what’s happening to unfold appreciate, kindness and be supportive as a minimum amount. I seriously feel that the fashion community will be together with us in this battle, and that next season, we will all fulfill once more.

As informed to Emily Chan.