Opening Manifest: A Joint Statement of 40 Representatives of the Ukrainian Fashion Industry Opens the Historic Season of Ukrainian Fashion Week SS25

Ukrainian Fashion Week starts in Kyiv on September 1st, marking the first time the event has been held in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion.

The symbolic opening of UFW SS25 is the Opening Manifest, a joint statement of over 40 of influential representatives of the Ukrainian fashion industry to the international community. World-famous Ukrainian designers, emerging talents from the NEW NAMES platform, and editors of Ukrainian fashion magazines gathered on the steps of the Ukrainian House on European Square.

This event on the steps of the Ukrainian House symbolises the unity of Ukrainians, the solidarity of the fashion industry, and a dedication to the ideals of freedom and faith in our country’s future. Representatives of the fashion industry held signs with slogans such as “Brave to create the future” and “We design hope despite the war,” among others.

“The war continues. But we live in this war, we fight for victory. We work for the sake of the present and future. And the voice of Ukraine must be heard,” commented Iryna Danylevska, CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.

Renowned Ukrainian photographer Ihor Haidai captured the historic photo.

Ukrainian Fashion Week is the oldest and most influential fashion week in Central and Eastern Europe. Founded in 1997, it has taken place every season in Kyiv despite various crises and challenges. During the full-scale Russian invasion, UFW held shows and presentations in global fashion capitals in collaboration with other organising committees and fellow organisations. This September marked the significant return of Ukrainian Fashion Week to Kyiv.

More than 50 Ukrainian designers, including RUSLAN BAGINSKIY, LITKOVSKA, FROLOV, BOBKOVA, PASKAL, NADYA DZYAK, TG Botanical, the COAT, GASANOVA, GUNIA Project, and KSENIASCHNAIDER, will participate in Ukrainian Fashion Week SS25.