In the FW25-26 season, Ukrainian Fashion Week will introduce the “Functional Clothing” program. This initiative aims to raise awareness in the fashion industry about the growing number of individuals in Ukraine, both military and civilian, who are experiencing various types of injuries. It highlights the importance of considering these needs in clothing design.

“The war has forced us to confront a new reality where creating adaptive clothing is a key focus for the industry. We live in a country where inclusivity is not just a duty, but a necessity and a new standard for us,” said Iryna Danylevska, co-founder and CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week.

You can sign up for the educational program taking place in the NewGen Lab space from February 14 to 16 at the Mystetskyi Arsenal using the following link.

Clothing designed for function prioritizes confidence and independence by addressing special needs, such as injuries to the hands, eyes, or legs, as well as the use of prostheses and assistive devices. This type of clothing integrates functionality into its design, offering individuals the confidence and convenience to dress independently. It also allows them to spend quality time with family, friends, and colleagues.

“Functional design combines comfort with style. Modern fashion requires practical solutions that ensure equality and accessibility for everyone,” — Makar Tsypan, CEO of MAKI.

Functional clothing is about dignity.

“Adaptive fashion represents not a compromise but an evolution that drives the industry forward. It helps break down barriers between various communities and significantly expands the market by providing people with disabilities with real agency and establishing universal standards of comfort and accessibility that benefit everyone,” — Svitla Volka, CEO of SVD_Denim.

The “Functional Clothing” program begins this season. The educational component of the program will include:

Lecture “Barrier-free fashion: adaptive clothing and contemporary design”

Speaker:

• Lily Derman, PhD, Head of the Design Department at the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University

Panel discussion “Functional clothing: a contemporary fashion trend in Ukraine”

Speakers:

• Makar Tsypan, Designer of the MAKI brand  
• Olha Svyst, Physician 
• Mykhailo Bakaliuk, Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian War  
• Artem Bondarev, Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian War  
• Moderator: Iryna Danylevska, CEO of Ukrainian Fashion Week

Public talk “Algorithm for creating adaptive solutions: experience, community, research results”

Speaker:

• Svitla Volka, CEO of SVD_Denim

Attendance is free for registered visitors. Ukrainian Fashion Week invites brands and the fashion community to participate in this important initiative to promote inclusive fashion.

Credits: Andriy Sokolov for Andreas Moskin SS25