The world of high fashion takes the field to take a stand against the Russia-Ukraine war.
The solidarity of fashion
The fashion month has just ended. The long-awaited return to normality in view of the decline in infections was however postponed again due to an event that is unfortunately even more serious than the pandemic: the war on the doorstep of Europe in Ukraine. Milan Fashion Week opened with the very beginning of the conflict and the president of the Italian Chamber of Fashion, Carlo Capasa, immediately expressed his concerns about the impact of the war scenario on the fashion market: “Before the war we were very well placed. Having recovered two thirds of the turnover lost in 2021, our projections saw 2022 as 2019, if not with a little more. Of the 24 million lost, 16 had been recovered. This war has brought problems that will inevitably impact the sector “Despite some initial controversy, we cannot hide the fact that the big names in fashion in Milan did not fail to support all those positions in the name of peace that were already circulating among the public attending the fashion shows. Messages of solidarity have appeared. outside the Max Mara, Gucci, Prada fashion shows. King Giorgio Armani has chosen to parade in wetsuits using silence as a respectful symbol for the victims of conflict: “My decision not to use any kind of music is made out of respect for all the people involved in the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine”. Elisabetta Franchi published a shot from her backstage together with various models of different nationalities, writing “In this backstage there are women from all over the world, all together without borders. This is the world I want. No to war.” During Paris Fashion Week, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has chosen to begin with a clear message: “Creation is based on the principle of freedom, in all circumstances. And the role of fashion is to contribute to individual and collective emancipation in Given the current context, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode encourages you to experience the shows of the coming days with solemnity and reflection in these dark hours. “The various initiatives and donations in the fashion world in support of Ukraine have multiplied. Many fashion houses have mobilized financially with the aim of supporting refugees forced to flee from the ongoing invasion. From Stella McCartney, that she communicated her donation to CARE, to Valentino and Armani who supported UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) with 500 thousand euros. There was also the mobilization of Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Donatella Versace, Etro, Ferragamo, Furla, Prada Group, Golden Goose, Gucci, Max Mara, Missoni, Moncler and Stone Island, Trussardi, Valentino and Zegna. Carlo Capasa personally spent his time in initiating this process of solidarity: “in the face of a tragedy of such dimensions, which upsets the lives of many people, numbers are the last thing that matters. This must be clear. The industry will face problems, but everything comes later. The main thing is people, and you need to understand what to do. This is why we have launched a wonderful initiative with the UNHCR refugee agency thanks to which we have already collected over 4 million donations. This is the first aspect that counts, we are in fact working on other initiatives. ” Fashion against war.
