This September, Milan transformed into a stage where fashion transcended the runway and became a manifesto of culture and identity. For the first time, Ukrainian fashion made such a powerful and multifaceted statement through shows, discussions, educational initiatives, and street performances, all united under the dynamic project Fashion For Freedom.
It was not just a series of events but a journey through emotion and courage, where everyone could find their place. At the Sheraton Milan San Siro, the Ukrainian Fashion Corner pop-up store became a hub for dialogue with buyers and showrooms. During the Education Summit, which gathered representatives of universities from Ukraine, Italy, and nearly thirty other countries, the discussions went beyond style to include the future of academic programmes, cultural projects, and international cooperation.
Italian leadership trainer Stefano Capodagli, an Italian with strong ties to Ukraine, noted that between words and deeds lies a whole world of difference. He emphasised that what we need are bridges connecting words with actions and Ukraine with Europe. Leadership, he said, is not a gift but a system of skills that can be developed—clarity of communication, teamwork, cultural literacy, and critical thinking. Through events like today’s, we build bridges between Ukraine, Italy, Britain, and all of Europe—bridges that unite fashion, art, and humanism.
The Runway Show impressed with its power of ideas and its fusion of ethnic motifs with innovative materials, while the Street Catwalk on Piazza Duomo became a symbolic act of freedom, where Kyiv and Milan met under the open sky.
President of Fashion Globus Ukraine Golda Vinogradskaya said that the team brought to Milan not only their collections but also the voice of their country, the voice of freedom. Ukrainian fashion today, she explained, is a form of diplomacy, a message that culture is stronger than war. She added that the project achieved a real breakthrough, marking the first time Ukrainian designers presented themselves on such a large scale on Milan’s catwalks.
Youth Creating the Future
Particular attention was drawn to the collections of students from Ukrainian universities and colleges. Their works—from upcycled linen to contemporary interpretations of embroidery—resonated as the voice of a new generation.
A powerful symbol of this was the appearance of Myroslav Poshtarenko, a sixteen-year-old founder of Masuvent Store. His runway debut moved the audience and became a symbol of the courage of Ukrainian youth. He said that even teenagers from Ukraine can create their own brands and dream big. For him, fashion is freedom—the freedom to be himself and to tell the story of his country.
Visionary founder of Fashion For Freedom and head of VitaWorld Nataliia Siassina highlighted that it is important for Ukrainian youth to see that their ideas matter to the world. She explained that these students are already cultural ambassadors showing that Ukraine has not only a great past but also a bright future in fashion.
The Voices of the Brands
Ukrainian designers speak through colours, symbols, and fabrics, yet their true language is resilience and dignity.
- Girchicya: For us, the embroidered shirt is the language of freedom, one that Europe can understand.
- Charm of the Ages (Odesa Technical College): We tell the story of Ukrainian fashion using sustainable materials, because the future begins with respect for our roots.
- Vivy (Poltava): The symbols we use are the DNA of our culture; wearing them means carrying the soul of Ukraine.
- Elena Bandurka Art Boutique: Every print and every colour is born as an act of creative resistance, transforming pain into life energy.
- TOUCH ME by Olena Kovalenko (Sievierodonetsk): Our pieces are a touch of freedom, and every seam tells the story of women forced to leave their homes because of war.
- Ukraina – Yedyna! (Lutsk and Kherson): Each costume unites regions into one story; we are diverse but together we form an indivisible Ukraine.
- Lviv College of Fashion Industry: We reinterpret traditional ornaments because tradition lives only when it can speak to the present.
- Sumy students: Our fashion is a quiet scream: Sumy remains creative despite the war.
- Step Beyond (footwear): Our shoes are made from old tyres; walking into the future means giving new life to the past.
- KYIV Hanenko. Reimagined: Every handmade detail is a bridge between the living museum of our history and modern design.
- Iryna Sydorenko (Rome–Bologna): A Ukrainian woman has the right to be both gentle and strong; our dresses tell this dual story.
- RYTHM Live Your Rhythm (Kharkiv): Fashion becomes everyday armour, protecting with comfort while expressing individuality.
- Keka (Kostiantyn Leontiev): Tudor-style lines prove that fashion is also cultural diplomacy, an aesthetic gesture that declares belonging to Europe.
- Voice of the Canvas (Khmelnytskyi): Our costumes are canvases carrying social messages; to dress means to teach and to convey values.
- Delshad Marsous (Iran): My work is a dialogue of cultures; bringing my voice into the Ukrainian context means building bridges.
Friends of Ukraine Beside Fashion
The event was supported by well-known cultural and political figures. Among the guests were Mariela Magallanes, a Venezuelan parliamentarian in exile; Emilia Ametrano, Director of Liceo Artistico di Brera; Walter Tognini, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Ukraine; and many representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora.
A special surprise was the appearance of Oleksii Potomkin, former Premier of the National Opera of Ukraine, who walked the runway as a model presenting designer Kostiantyn Leontiev’s (KEKA) collection.
Next Steps
Fashion For Freedom in Milan marks just the beginning of a new chapter. In November, Ukrainian designers will take part in London Fashion Day, and in February 2026, the Sheraton Milan San Siro will host a special programme dedicated to the athletes of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympics.
By Valentyna Bilan
