How can you help Ukraine? By supporting its fashion scene
In the last few weeks media has been overwhelmed by news on the horrible attack on Ukraine and its people. The willingness to help is huge. Ukrainians are suffering in several ways, including the fashion scene and the sustainable brands trying to make a difference. We asked the fashion stylist Marta Turani-Jessen what you can do to help and support.
Hi Marta, thank you for being here and telling your story, who are you and where are you now?
My name is Marta Turani-Jessen, I am from Ukraine but for the last two years I have been living in Denmark. I have always been passionate about fashion, but started my journey to the fashion industry not so long ago. I am working as a stylist, providing personal styling services, such as Consulting, Wardrobe check, Shopping guides, Capsules and styling for photoshoots. You can look up at my website and read more about my services, see my portfolio, and client reviews: https://martaturanijessen.com/ At the moment, I am donating 20% from my income to the needs of the Ukrainian Army.
I am working with clients from Ukraine, Denmark and other countries, because my services are adapted for online work. Unfortunately, the number of the clients from Ukraine fell since the beginning of the war, which is understandable because priorities significantly changed in the past two weeks. So my focus now is to get more clients, from Denmark and the rest of the Europe for my services and continue donating to Ukraine. I think, being abroad is the best way to help by making the right donations. So despite it being difficult to talk about fashion for me right now and post on Instagram, I decided to continue working, because I really want to help my country the way I can.
How would you describe the fashion scene and sustainability movement before the war?
Fashion industry developed a lot in Ukraine since the last couple of years. A lot of talents and new brands came to the market. There are several brands that keep focus on sustainability, for example denim brand Ksenia Schnaider. Right now you can purchase gift cards to support their business.
Can you please list some of the Ukrainian fashion brands you love and think should be highlighted?
There are many brands that stopped making their spring collections, and actively making clothes and equipment for the Ukrainian Army. I think they deserve real respect. I can define brands, like ANDRE TAN, CHER 17, ONEBYONE and SHYPELYK. Brands that make clothes with Ukrainian symbols, this one for example using organic materials diadia_official and deliver to Europe. Among Ukrainian brands that support the army, I can name: nebesite.clothes, hvoya.ua, ruslanbaginskiy_hats, thecoat_offial and oversized_studio. You can find all the brands on Instagram, follow their activities and visit their websites.
What can consumers and non-Ukrainians do to support these fashion brands?
I think, a good way to support from abroad is to buy from Ukrainian brands of course, because they donate from their sales. To buy services from Ukrainians, to talk about it abroad, the world has to know about Ukrainian. Share information about those brands who, for example, gave up their spring collections and are instead making all the needed clothes and equipment for the Ukrainian army.
I constantly have the feeling that I need to help, and keep questioning myself about what more I can do to help my home country. Most of my family are in Ukraine, so this situation is very personal for me. But Ukrainians, are the nation that never gives up so I believe that the victory is not so far away. In the meantime, I think those Ukrainians and foreigners that want to help Ukraine should focus on what they can do best and help that way.
