by Tia Janowski
Held at Stationers’ Hall, UA in the UK celebrated the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week while also commemorating the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
The event showcased four new and small Ukrainian clothing brands, celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of Ukrainian designers who are making waves in the fashion world despite the effects of the war in Ukraine.
Founded in November 2022 by Aleksandra Volkova, who is also the founder of Volkova PR & Fashion Agency, UA in UK Community unites Ukrainians in the fashion and beauty industry to champion and support Ukrainian fashion brands in the UK. Volkova PR & Fashion Agency allocates 10% of its profits to organise free events for UA in UK Community members, hosting over 100 events to aid Ukrainian refugees and start-ups.
The runway started with Innna’s demi-couture designs that are a versatile blend suitable for any occasion. Crafted in London, the collection showcased neutral tones and A-line shapes, alongside oversized blazers, lace dresses and silk fabrics that made it an interesting refresh of a classic style. The handcrafted features add a unique touch, infusing simplicity with a refined elegance that allows the wearer to make a statement.
Sofi Rich followed with their bold, colourful and elegant designs that perfectly reflect their tagline, “While you haven’t said anything yet, you are perceived by your appearance!”. Produced in London, the collection uses pastel hues, woven materials, and daring patterns combined with form-fitted tailoring that creates modern and stylish outfits. A favourite of the collection was a pale yellow, classic blouse paired with high-waisted flared mint green trousers, transforming a traditional style into a modern and fun ensemble.
Next up was Andreas Moskin, the first menswear brand to be presented by UA in the UK community at LFW. With a philosophy that revolves around revolutionising traditional, and contemporary menswear, Andreas Moskin takes classic styles and infuses them with fresh and innovative designs to avoid boredom and repetition. The collection showcased bold, revealing garments that seamlessly fuse formal menswear with streetwear and feminine elements. With form-fitting and oversized suits in both traditional and pastel colours, Andreas Moskin challenged the norms by incorporating corsets, padded shoulders, glittery fabrics, and capes for a captivating look that defied traditional menswear.
Closing the show, Upslowuse took centre stage with a diverse array of denim garments. Made in Kyiv, Ukraine, Upslowuse is a conscious fashion brand that advocates for self-expression through upcycling and using recycled and surplus fabric with natural compositions. Telling the story of self-discovery through texture, colour and styling, the collection features matching sets and dresses with cut-outs that bring shape to the denim to make it flattering in non-conventional ways. The collection showcased denim in various shades; featuring patterns, asymmetrical shapes, and disjointed seams that brought texture and movement to the fabric. The showstopper of the collection was a classic A-line spaghetti strap dress adorned with denim diamonds attached with silver hoops, showcasing the brand’s commitment to unconventional yet stunning designs. The collection is cohesive in colour and fabric but it avoids being repetitive by using different styles, details and patterns within the denim.
The atmosphere at Stationer's Hall was electric, culminating in a lively display as all the participants walked down the catwalk holding Ukrainian flags. This symbolised the impactful work that UA in UK Community is doing to support Ukrainian fashion designers in the UK. UA in UK Community presented an incredible London Fashion Week show that introduced four new Ukrainian brands and left everyone eagerly anticipating their next show.